Breaking: Tipperary County Council enters mediation over Cabra housing stand off

Mediation services have been engaged between Tipperary County Council and Travellers at Cabra Bridge outside Thurles who have refused to take up tenancy in a housing scheme in the area until the council provides them with stables and land for their horses.

The issue has become a main talking point in the presidential election, with candidate Peter Casey being scathing in his comments about Travellers and the Travelling community.

Mr Casey has been heavily criticised by the other candidates and Pavee Point, among other organisations, over his remarks.

This Wednesday, Tipperary County Council told Templemore / Thurles Municipal District Council members that mediation services have been engaged and that they are working with the Traveller families and the council's housing section with a view to resolving outstanding issues.

The announcement was made by director of housing Sinead Carr when she updated members on the situation regarding the €1.6m development.

"In the interest of resolving the issues and bringing the matter to a satisfactory conclusion, the county council intends not to comment further to the media while the mediation process is ongoing. We would appeal to the media to respect this request," the council sad in a statement.