BREAKING: 40 'transient group' caravans moved out of Tipperary town

40 “transient group” caravans were moved out of a site in Nenagh town last week after anger and frustration was expressed by locals about their presence.

The caravans moved into the site beside Stereame Business Park a few weeks ago, which is one of Nenagh’s prime commercial and residential areas.

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During the July monthly meeting of Nenagh Municipal District the Councillors pointed out that they were angered that no visible action had been taken to move the caravans on.

Cllr John Carroll said it was completely unacceptable to have such an “astronomical” number of caravans on the site beside the Business Park.

The problem of "transient groups, in caravans," as the councillors call them, parking in Stereame, has been a recurring issue in recent years with residents expressing concerns about the impact on the area's development and environment.

Residents have repeatedly over the years voiced concerns about the impact on the area, particularly as Stereame has seen significant development and investment.

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Time and again local councillors have called for action to address the situation, demanding that the transient groups be moved on.

Cllr Carroll commented that the State has tried over the years to accommodate the transient communities; however, time and again they have moved into the town and set up their encampment without permission from landowners.

The councillor said law changes are needed so that action can be taken by the authorities to remove caravans from the sites. Legislation around such issues was very weak and the Garda could not act, he commented.

The councillor added that other encampments had been set up in Tullaheady and Carrigatoher in the Nenagh town area which also needed to be moved on.

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“There are up to four caravans parked on a site beside an attenuation pond established to take rainwater from the M7 at Carrigatoher. If for any reason this pond got blocked it could lead to serious issues on the motorway. Surely TII is aware of the encampment. I can't understand why TII hasn't moved them on.”

He added that an encampment at Castlecranna, south of Nenagh, has been in existence for years and poses a safety issue in the area.

The Director of Services, Liam Brett, said the council was working with landowners and stakeholders and would continue to do so.

A week after the July meeting the Stereame caravans were moved on.