Written answers

Wednesday, 21 May 2008

Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government

Illegal Encampments

8:00 pm

Photo of Róisín ShortallRóisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 281: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the inadequacy of legislation in speedily dealing with illegal Traveller encampments as in a case (details supplied) in Dublin 9; and when he will update the powers provided to local authorities in order that illegal encampments can be eradicated within a matter of weeks rather than months. [20200/08]

Photo of Michael FinneranMichael Finneran (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
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Local authorities have a wide and effective range of powers to deal with unauthorised Traveller encampments. The principal powers of local authorities to deal with the unauthorised placing of temporary dwellings on public property, under legislation coming within the ambit of my Department, are contained in the Local Government (Sanitary Services) Act 1948, and Section 10 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1992, as amended by Section 32 of the Housing (Traveller Accommodation) Act 1998 and Section 21 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2002.

The relevant provisions of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994 concerning offences relating to entering and occupying land without consent or the bringing of any object onto such land are a matter for my colleague the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform. While I have no current plans to amend the aforementioned powers available to local authorities, I will continue to keep the effectiveness of these powers under review.

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