10 September 1997
By Aiden Henry
The people of Claremorris are up in arms over the troop of illegally parked caravans that have recently moved into the area.
The caravans, belonging to the travelling community, have parked on the pavement servicing the link road connecting the Claremorris/Balla and Claremorris/Knock primary routes. The road also provides an entrance to the housing estates of Luí na Greine and Barr na hAille and resident access to these estates is being infringed upon.
Also dissatisfied with the current situation are the parents of children who attend the Boys National School, which is attached to the road in question. Parents have found it necessary to bring and collect their children and have strongly voiced concern over what they see as a compromistaion of their children's safety.
A spokesperson for the parents told the Connaught Telegraph yesterday: "This is a very serious problem and we want the powers that be to take action on it without delay".
The residents of Luí na Greine and Barr na hAille attended a recent meeting of the Claremorris Chamber of Commerce and made representations to the Chamber.In response the Chamber of Commerce have contacted the Mayo County Council, the local Gardaí and the Western Health Board. A spokesperson said: "It is a very serious problem and we want action taken immediately".
Councillor Richard Finn said yesterday that he had made representations to the relevant sections of Mayo County Council in relation to this problem in the past and over the last week. He continued: "This should not be allowed in this day and age that caravans should be allowed park on footpaths".
