• Barriers were temporary solution to illegal encampment issue
• Had impeded on burial ground access

 

Fianna Fáil TD for Clare Cathal Crowe has welcomed confirmation that the controversial concrete barriers that were erected at Illaunamanagh Cemetery in Shannon last week will be re-examined.

The barriers were installed at the car park last week, preventing access on a temporary basis, following the removal of an illegal encampment that had sprung up there in recent weeks.

While the removal of the encampment has received a broad welcome, the barriers had caused some concern given their positioning, which was impeding access to the cemetery for some of those wishing to attend.

“These concrete barriers are completely unsightly but unfortunately are necessary to ensure that an illegal encampment doesn’t return to this spot,” said Deputy Crowe.

“They are robust and heavy and can’t be moved easily and will deter people from parking up caravans along the footpaths near the cemetery and crematorium, which was a real worry for people visiting the crematorium or burial grounds at a vulnerable time – I was contacted by a huge number of people about this.

“Thankfully, that issue was resolved but I then received a number of calls in relation to these barriers.

“On foot of being contacted by a number of residents, I made contact with Clare County Council’s Shannon office asking that they be re-looked at and repositioned.

“I’ve been assured now that they will be repositioned, so I’m glad this will now happen which will make access a little bit easier.

“The council will now have to look at a more permanent solution that is more fitting to the locality and visually pleasing.

“Separately, I’m in contact with An Garda Síochána and Clare County Council regarding the illegal encampment at Sixmilebridge railway station, which popped up in recent days.

“At any time of the year, roadside encampments are illegal but they’re particularly wrong and inappropriate now at a time of an international health crisis, when everybody is only entitled to move within 5km of home and I’m hoping all authorities, as they did in the Shannon situation, will work to expeditated a move this encampment too.”

-ENDS-