Vol. 423 No. 8
30 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for the Environment whether there are any proposals to introduce legislation to prevent travellers with their caravans from assembling in large numbers in one location over a period of time such as occurred in the town of Dungarvan, County Waterford in recent months.
69 Mr. Finucane asked the Minister for the Environment if he will outline the steps he proposes to take to outlaw travelling convoys of traders parking indiscriminately on local authority and other public grounds throughout the State.
76 Mr. McGahon asked the Minister for the Environment the plans, if any, he has to introduce legislation to control the total disregard shown by itinerants and travelling folk, who in many cases invade other people's property; the plans, if any, he has to eliminate the deliberate wanton and unauthorised occupation of private and publicly owned sites all over the country and particularly in Dundalk, County Louth, resulting in serious legal costs dissipating the scarce resources of many local authorities.
176 Mr. D. Ahern asked the Minister for the Environment if, in view of the extreme difficulties experienced this summer by the general public in County Louth, especially in the Dundalk and Drogheda areas, by the invasion of itinerants, he will amend existing legislation, which is ineffectual, so as to give either local authorities or the Garda more power to take action in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 30, 69, 76 and 176 together.
The Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1992 and the Roads Bill, 1991, at present before the House, will considerably strengthen the powers of local authorities to deal with problems of the kind referred to. Consideration is being given to the need for further action in relation to the matter, whether by legislation or otherwise.
