Sir, - In your edition of December 31st, Tim O'Brien gave a good account of the destruction caused on Dodder Valley Road, Rathfarnham, by illegal traveller/trader encampments over the past eight months. As a local resident I can say that the whole community is appalled at the continuing environment degradation of the area by this group. The Garda has stated that crime has risen in the area over the past number of months.
It is a major issue for a community when the rule of law is not upheld, which is the case in Rathfarnham for some time. The problems which arose here during the summer will continue to happen elsewhere unless there are important changes made.
Serious questions need to be asked. Are our laws administered fairly and equally? Is it acceptable that continual law-breaking by an identified group goes unpunished? Why are the law enforcement bodies constrained in taking immediate and effective action against such law and by-law breakers?
Do our laws on illegal trespass, environmental and noise pollution need to be updated and strengthened? - Yours, etc.,
T. ROCHE,
Rathfarnham,
Dublin 14.