Bray Chamber of Commerce has demanded ministerial intervention in a dispute over an unauthorised travellers' encampment on the edge of the town. The chamber president, Mr Michael Buckley, has asked the Minister for the Environment, Mr Dempsey, and the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation, Mr Jim McDaid, to intervene. He has also warned of "protest action" should the issue not be resolved.
Over the past month, up to 30 caravans and trailers have arrived at a site between the town and the northern access route to the M11. The site is owned by the neighbouring local authority, Dun LaoghaireRathdown County Council, which has recently begun building houses there.
In a letter to the ministers, Mr Buckley criticises what he describes as "official inaction" which he says is not acceptable.
"That a massive encampment was allowed to set up on local authority land at the main entrance to the town is incredible, and that the situation is allowed to continue defies belief," Mr Buckley said.
The "gateway to the garden county now has a massive illegal, unsightly and unhealthy traveller site as the first view to tourists," he said.
The chamber is calling on both Ministers to use their influence with Dun LaoghaireRathdown County Council in an attempt to have the encampment removed. The council cathaoirleach, Mr Donal Marren, said housing officials were encouraging the travellers to move on or accept alternative accommodation.