Concern voiced over encampment on outskirts of Nenagh

The establishment of a temporary encampment off Nenagh’s M7 interchange at Carrigatoher has caused anger and fear among the community.

Local councillor John Carroll told last week’s meeting of Nenagh Municipal District that the large convoy of motor homes and camper vans arrived from the Midlands the previous Friday, despite the pandemic restrictions on travel and gatherings. They have presented a difficulty to farming and a “huge fear factor” for people living in the area, Cllr Carroll said.

“People are furious,” he told the meeting, adding that the gardaí were involved. Cllr Carroll asked for the area in question to be secured so that it cannot be accessed again.

Director Marcus O’Connor said the council was disappointed to find another encampment at the location, which the council had to clean up and secure after a similar arrival last year.

Mr O’Connor said the encampment presented a bad image of the town and added that the council and gardaí were working together to try and resolve the issue.