Action to be taken against illegal caravans at Kildare estate
A photo taken in Moate View estate in Kilmead last month. Photo: Aisling Hyland
“THIS is going on since 2021. I'm still no further along the road, I have a commitment that works will be done. I was told in the third quarter, that hasn't happened yet. I'm extremely disappointed in that.”
So said local councillor Aoife Breslin regarding Moate View estate in Kilmead, where residents have been plagued by illegal encampment and anti-social behaviour.
Cllr Breslin tabled a motion at July’s meeting of Athy Municipal District urging the council to carry out works to prohibit illegal encampments there.
Speaking afterwards, she alleged that a number of caravans are “illegally parking” in the green areas and the historic graveyard is being used as a “public toilet”. Other concerns include dogs roaming freely and scramblers coming in and out of the estate “morning, noon and night”.
The aforementioned meeting heard that the proposed solution is a ‘berm’.
“I have been liaising with the necessary sections in Kildare Co Council and my latest news is that legal papers have been signed for people to leave the area or to leave the green area,” cllr Breslin told the in recent days.
“I think that's an added complication, I do understand that the law has to be followed, but this was only something that arose after the meeting, was never discussed or never given to me in a reply to my motion at the meeting.”
She said: “I will be very clear ... it is not against certain people, it is against the activities of illegally parking and using that. Everybody is welcome in Kilmead, everybody is welcome to live in Kilmead and Moate View, a fantastic estate, but people that are camping and using this as an illegal campsite – that's not tolerated. By all means, everybody has to have a house or a place to live, but you cannot live in those areas and upset other people ... you have to be responsible for your behaviour.”
Cllr Breslin said her understanding is “there are still people in situ out there ... it's not fair on other people in the estate because it has an impact on them, and it's not right. Kildare Co Council need to manage this, they need to resolve the issue. We're now heading towards the autumn, you know, and if it's not done soon we'll find we're into another couple of months, I'm not willing to accept that.”
The Labour councillor and cathaoirleach of Athy Municipal District said she is “on a daily basis in contact with the necessary section in the council”.
A spokesperson for Kildare Co Council said the local authority cannot comment on individual incidents or complaints.
“If a person wishes to make a complaint to Kildare Co Council they can do so via telephone to customer services or by email customerservices@kildarecoco.ie and matters will be subsequently investigated,” they said.
“To report anti-social behaviour an online form is available on the Kildare Co Council website. Additionally, any issues arising in relation to public disorder should be made to An Garda Síochána for investigation.”
