Shock and Dismay at Further Trauma imposed on Grieving Traveller Families

Pavee Point Traveller and Roma Centre is shocked and dismayed at reports of a blockade by some Carrickmines residents of an area to be made available to accommodate the bereaved families of the victims of the horrific fire in Carrickmines early on Saturday morning.

We deplore the use of cars and heavy machinery to cut off access to a publicly owned site at Glenamuck Cottages close to where the fire occurred and see this action as heartless.

“We are shocked and dismayed at the further stress and trauma this imposes on these grieving Traveller families,” says Ronnie Fay, Pavee Point Co Director, “These actions are totally contrary to the outpouring of sympathy and support shown to the bereaved families in recent days.”

We commend Environment Minister Alan Kelly and Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Manager, Philomena Poole in using their executive functions to make this public land available to the families.

We urge both the Minister and the County Manager to persist in their efforts to provide these bereaved families with a place where they can mourn and grieve their loss in privacy and dignity.