Halting site an eyesore and impacting on Rathbane estate
THE redevelopment of the controversial Toppins field on the south side of the city, has been given the green light.
However, it is dependent on the Travelling families agreeing to relocate to a new site.
Some weeks ago Brendan Hayden, director of Limerick Regeneration, confirmed that €1.5million has been allocated to the building of six new houses on a site close to the Rosbrien Interchange, that would rehouse Travellers from the halting site in Toppins Field.
It is understood that the Regeneration Agency had been talking with the Irish Traveller Movement to try to resolve reservations that one or two of the families had about moving into group housing.
When he spoke with the Limerick Post recently Mr Hayden said that a facilitator would show the families plans for the new group housing scheme.
“If they agree, we could move quickly and get building underway.”
This week, however, he said that no discussion has yet been entered into with the Traveller families.
“There are interim works being carried out by the city council – upgrading of the facilities.”
When local councillor, Ger Fahy raised the issue at a meeting of the city council’s Housing committee, he was told by city hall director of services, Kieran Lehane, that a relocation of the Halting Site from Toppins Field is currently under consideration.
Cllr Fahy had asked Mr Lehane: “How will Toppins field be upgraded, and will it be approved for a new housing scheme?”
Cllr Joe Leddin sought clarification as to whether the plan was to relocate the halting site from Toppins Field, or about upgrading the site.
“How much money will we spend on upgrading Toppins field when relocation might never happen,” he asked.
Cllr Fahy, who has consistently called for a relocation of the halting site, which, he said, had become an eyesore, stresses that this is impacting severely on neighbouring Rathbane housing estate.
“It’s in such a bad state that it’s unfit for the Traveller families living there – unfortunately, it has become a meeting place for gangs who are moving into Rathbane and smashing cars and the windows of houses”.
Cllr Fahy has also reported that people are illegally dumping in Toppins Field.
“This has given rise to rodents, and there is an issue of wandering horses which, of course, poses a danger to the safety of young children – there’s a general consensus that the halting site should be relocated for everyone’s sake, and the Travellers deserve decent accommodation.
“Overall, closing down the site would benefit both the Travellers and the people of Rathbane”.
Cllr Pat Kennedy said that an assurance had been given that there would be consultation with the residents of Rathbane.
“Could we set up a meeting with the residents and the Ward councillors soon – they should be kept informed on all developments and plans”.
Commenting on the issue to the Limerick Post, Cllr Fahy said it is essential to get the consent of all the Traveller families on the halting site to relocation.
He said that a complete upgrading of Toppins Field would “do wonders” for the area, including Rathbane.
“What is envisaged is the development of new housing and commercial units for Toppins Field – we have the funding required and now have the opportunity to completely redevelop it, which would benefit the whole area and the entire community”.
It is understood that the consent of all of the Traveller Families in Toppins Field has to be secured.
