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11/10/2004
Travelling Community targeted by new law
Northern Ireland’s Traveller community has been targeted by a new law introduced by the government today.
The draft ‘Unauthorised Encampments (Northern Ireland) Order 2004’ gives the police power to direct people who camp illegally to leave land and to remove their vehicles and other property in certain circumstances. Those who refuse to comply may have their vehicles seized and, if prosecuted, face imprisonment and a fine of up to £2,500.
NIO Minister John Spellar said: “It is clear from the results of the earlier public consultation exercise that there is strong support in the community for the introduction of these measures.
“I am aware of the concerns expressed during the earlier consultation about availability of sites for the Traveller community. The draft legislation recognises the unique position of Travellers and provides a measure of protection for them.
“It will be introduced along with the development of specific alternative accommodation for Travellers. Taken together, these measures should eliminate a recurring source of tension between members of the settled community and the Traveller community.”
Unauthorised encampments, often involving members of the Traveller community or tourists who refuse to use proper facilities, are a problem in various parts of Northern Ireland.
A consultation paper on proposals to introduce specific legislation to deal with unauthorised camping was issued in September 2003.
The Northern Ireland Housing Executive is responsible for developing housing schemes to address the particular needs of Travellers and for the provision and management of serviced sites for Travellers.
(MB/GMCG)
The draft ‘Unauthorised Encampments (Northern Ireland) Order 2004’ gives the police power to direct people who camp illegally to leave land and to remove their vehicles and other property in certain circumstances. Those who refuse to comply may have their vehicles seized and, if prosecuted, face imprisonment and a fine of up to £2,500.
NIO Minister John Spellar said: “It is clear from the results of the earlier public consultation exercise that there is strong support in the community for the introduction of these measures.
“I am aware of the concerns expressed during the earlier consultation about availability of sites for the Traveller community. The draft legislation recognises the unique position of Travellers and provides a measure of protection for them.
“It will be introduced along with the development of specific alternative accommodation for Travellers. Taken together, these measures should eliminate a recurring source of tension between members of the settled community and the Traveller community.”
Unauthorised encampments, often involving members of the Traveller community or tourists who refuse to use proper facilities, are a problem in various parts of Northern Ireland.
A consultation paper on proposals to introduce specific legislation to deal with unauthorised camping was issued in September 2003.
The Northern Ireland Housing Executive is responsible for developing housing schemes to address the particular needs of Travellers and for the provision and management of serviced sites for Travellers.
(MB/GMCG)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Staying cold. Any freezing fog that has formed overnight will slowly thin and disperse during the morning. Otherwise dry and bright much of the day with perhaps the odd coastal shower in the north and east. Maximum temperature 4 °C.Tonight:Dry at first with cloud thickening from the south through the evening. The odd shower, wintry over high ground, over northern counties, becoming more persistent rain over Down and Antrim. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
