We need your help now
Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.
You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.
If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.
Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you.
An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more.
By continuing, you are indicating that you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
TWO RUSSIAN MILITARY aircraft entered Irish-controlled airspace again.
The Irish Aviation Authority confirmed that the aircraft entered international airspace that is controlled by them.
The IAA confirmed that it monitored the activity of two Russian military aircraft from approximately 3pm to 7pm yesterday.
“The aircraft did not enter Irish sovereign airspace at any time.”
The IAA were not informed in advance. The aircraft operated in North Atlantic airspace and in airspace under the control of the IAA.The aircraft operated within 25 nautical miles of the Irish coast.Irish controlled airspace extends 256 nautical miles off the west coast of Ireland. Irish sovereign airspace extends 12 nautical miles off the Irish coast.
The IAA said the flight posed no safety threat to civil aviation on this occasion.
It is understood that the two aircraft were the same bombers that flew past the Cornwall coast in the UK.
British Forces scrambled its fighter jets to escort the two Russian Bear bombers away from the Cornwall coast.
Footage of of the incident was reportedly shown on Russian television:
UK Prime Minister David Cameron said he suspected that Russia was “trying to make a point” and that he would not dignify it with a response.
This is not the first time Russian aircraft has flown by Ireland.
Russian jets came close to the Irish coastline only last month. While the jets did not enter Irish airspace, they did enter an area controlled by the Irish Aviation Authority.
Speaking about the episode, Minister for Defence Simon Coveney said the government had “expressed real concern” to the Russian authorities.
He said the Russians were told that it was “not acceptable”.
It’s not an acceptable situation and we have let that be known to the Russian authorities and we hope it won’t be happening again.
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
are I wrong in thinking that it is their own choice to live the way they live ?
I do t see what it has to do with travellers’ rights either. Seems like petty point-scoring
That won’t stop political opportunism from politicians.
How about political bravery that makes living in a caravan or pre-fab forbidden on the grounds of safety? or not provide supports for people who do? What about political bravery in tackling why this way of life causes the highest rate of suicide among its young men? What about political bravery to combat the high levels of non-compliance of law and order and criminality among traveller families? What about political bravery when it comes to dropout rates in education among travellers? How about political bravery in investigating or get CAB to investigate how someone who is unemployed can purchase new automobiles?
The events of the weekend were an absolute travesty but those families should never have been living were or how they were – and pavee point can say what they like the travellers don’t travel anywhere – they’re not nomads and the traditional travellers are completely unrecognisable in todays traveller community. Its time for political courage alright but as long as there are elections it’ll never be done.
le tigre , nothing at all to do with point scoring , the article says that there is about 400 people living in caravans at the side of roads and all I’m asking is it not their choice to do that ? travellers like to move around do they not ? I know not all of them do but the majority ?
careful now because that’s similar to what Fiona was trying to make out and she got slated for it .
I drive past a halting site in north Dublin and the houses built for them by the council are all smashed up.
At Suzie. Not all travellers live or want to live on the side of the road. We have no idea if these particular families chose this sort of accommodation or were on the waiting list for a house.
What has worried me is that the government plan on housing homeless families in pre-fabs. Another potential disaster
It wasn’t directed at you, Suzie! The Mayor of South Co Dublin was the one trying to score political points against the government. Opportunism at its worst.
apologies ,Le Tigre .
*got*
Bob , the one near ballyfermot springs to mind too .
Anne Marie neither the Govt or the housing authorities are proposing to house anyone in sub-standard prefabs. Unfortunately most Irish people think of the school prefab in which they were educated. What is being proposed is that “modular housing” be part of the solution mix. This housing is built to a high specification in a factory environment and is fully fire compliant as well as meeting all other standards. Indeed Dublin City Council have I think published a full spec of the standard that this type of housing has to meet. And it does meet all standards
Only in Ireland do we have this ridiculous conversation about “traditional” housing I.e. concrete blocks versus other forms of housing. As if traditional housing in Ireland is anything to extol with its typical sub-standard construction and poor insulation values. The discussion should be about design, quality build and proper surroundings e.g. properly serviced and landscaped sites in good locations.
Modular housing, if good designs are implemented, is likely to be superior to “traditional” builds in a whole range of areas, not least air tightness and insulation. But in Ireland we prefer to offer ten unlikely problems for every innovative solution and then criticise when nothing happens. If we want solutions they won’t come from what we have traditionally done. That’s a large part of the problem.
@Anne Marie devlin
It wont be a disaster for Redacted O’Swine’s bank account..
Halting site bungalows in Brookfield Tallaght houses in bits and burnt out caused by themselves. Im no lover of the Sunday World but last Sundays articles on the mainly traveller gangs responsible for the burglaries on farms and elderly living alone arround the country. is that the fault of the settled community and government aswell. Condolences to the families concerned this is a terrible tragedy.
Eddie its not traveller gangs its the irish mafia. Like in new york with 5 families ireland has the mcdonaghs, the wards etc etc etc.
Bob you’re being racist. stop dissing the travellers for smashing uo houses provided to them by govt and stealing and intimidation and intimidation of the elderly and violence and fraud and tax avoidance and vandalism and lack of cleanliness and sexual violence its time the travellers were left alone instead of answering to these responsibilities.
I keep on hearing about rights but what about responsibilities. If travellers want improved rights they need accept the responsibilities that come with living in this society.
Well said Maria. This is a terrible tragedy but what rights do they expect exactly? Equal rights to everyone else? Pay taxes, contribute to society, don’t expect everything handed to them on a plate
Two way street they need to be respected by society also. They do have a lot of responsibility for themselves too
I agree. But that opportunity also has to be given. The end of your comment is indicative of the prejudice. As I said, both ways
Maybe they’ve “nothing to contribute” due to countless regressive pieces of legislation over the past 50/60. Society has distanced themselves in an attempt to strip them of their culture. You ask any person who remembers them in the 50s, very few have a bad word to say. There has to be attempt between settled people and travellers to bridge the gap. It won’t happen over night. But calling them names and tarring them all with the same brush does nothing for anyone
Travellers want everything handed to them. They don’t work but yet have bucket loads of children and expect the state to pay for their upbringing. They constantly thrash pubs but cry discrimination when refused entry. They want equal rights but yet they treat traveller woman as virtual slaves who are denied any chance of a career outside of being barefoot and pregnant. Pavee Point needs to get travellers to look in the mirror and to stop blaming all their problems on other people. Let’s not forget that at the start everyone thought this was an arson attack by another traveller clan. This is because that’s what they do. So how are they always the victims?
I get what you’re saying. There are negative elements in travelling families and that needs to be dealt with. What’s preventing that is the public condemnation of travellers as a whole. There’s no denying they’re not all angels.
“That’s what they do”? That’s again brandishing them all. Look at cause and effect. It’s failed policy upon failed policy. As I said above, slandering them does nothing. Some of the comments on this feed alone are ones akin to that of articles on Isis
If travellers aren’t given more money of course they’re going to be entitled to steal, vandalize, intimidate, avoid tax and be dirty. lads its common sense. pay them more money to stop the anti social behaviour jeez
VAST MAJORITY. VAST MAJORITY. If you don’t believe me Google the word traveller, or ask anyone what do they associate with the word traveller. look at the thumbs up numbers here alone
I know quite well what people associate with travellers, and it disgusts me to be honest. There’s no denying there are issues within there culture, but how do you expect them to be dealt with when 95% of population constantly vilify them. That’s down to media portrayal too.
What is it about them Travellers?
https://stephentodd4.wordpress.com/2015/06/14/what-is-it-about-them-irish-travellers/
I’ve 3 red thumbs although only one person has read my article. Good to see the ability and willingness to engage on the topic.
Many groups have faced discrimination in Ireland over the years. These include people of different race, religion, colour and sexuality. However, thanks to anti-discrimination laws and these people’s determination to contribute and be active in this society, they have been integrated into all parts of our world. Except for the travellers. Why? Is it because they don’t want to contribute? Is it because they are too lazy to be active? In all my years I have never seen a traveller go for a job interview and you never see them working in any shops or factories. Maybe they have realised that by becoming useful members of society they won’t be able to play the victim anymore and it might become a lot harder to get handouts just because of who they are.
I read your article Stephen , although I don’t fully agree, it’s an interesting piece you wrote .
John, with all due respect, your running with the same dogma again. This is systemic, and hence detachment. They struggle to see the point in a society that vilifies them. All of which I mentioned above. I admit there are faults, but solidarity, instead of divisiveness, is the only thing that will work here. I’m clearly wasting my time here, and it’s a pity it’s taken such a tragedy to even have a conversation on this, but I hope something positive comes from it. I’m gonna leave it there.
“They struggle to see the point in a society that vilifies them”
Which came first. the chicken or the egg? You think the rest of the population just decided to vilify them for no good reason?
Baldy John, I’m originally from a working class area. My ex also happens to be a traveller. “You’re what’s wrong with the country”, cop on to yourself will ya. I’m not gonna get into a “I know a..so I’m not…” Argument with you. Cheers for the contribution
The government vilified first, the general public, then the media. Come back when you’ve a half decent contribution to make. I assume you’ve reviewed the policy too?
Stephen sorry I think that’s the wrong way around . you always have to look at the source first , travellers won’t change or try to change . they will continue to act like they are above the law because they get away with it , it suits them to play the victim . they are not even trying to change public opinion of them .
This stems back a lot further than recent times. Gypsies Bill 1950 in the north, as well as an attempt at forced assimilation in the 60s here.
times change Stephen , you’re talking about the 50′s / 60′s , what about this generation ? they have no excuses whatsoever . excuses upon excuses are made to cover up for their behaviour and the way they chose to live their lives
Do you not think policies like those and ones that followed had a knock on effect on the future generations? Racism was supposedly eradicated in America in the 1960′s, yet it’s still seen systemically and personally today? These things don’t change over night
no Stephen I don’t think what happened in my grandparents day or back in my parents did not set the benchmark for how I live my life today .what has the people of today done on them for them to carry on the way the do now ? again Stephen , you seem to make excuses for them .
I’m not making excuses. I’ve repeatedly condemned behaviours. Systemic oppression is a bit different to picking up bad habits by the way.
Baldy John is what you called him Stephen. Any further points you made were just invalid. travellers have a disproportionate level of violence and corruption and attacks and theft and elderly attacks and manipulation and intimidation. they are the worst scourge of society and you make the point that they are not accepted or don’t have rights and that’s why they do it. its not the reason Stephen. gays were absolutely castigated for years but you don’t see them putting a screwdriver into the ear of an old lady.
95% are unemployed , that’s not just a few , yet they seem to have cash to buy up land , horses etc . I wonder where that money comes from ??
who do u think u r im a traveler ive done 3 years of college and work In an old foalks home so dont brand uz lazy or unable to work kuz we can right notin said about polish sitting here getin handouts owww sorry thats ok
im a traveler nd I’ve done school and 3 years of college soooooo probly more qualified than you
wow biddy Connors , great name ! three years in college and you write like that ?
Agree
It maybe not be convenient to some for me to say that Travellers’ first have to care about themselves before we in the “settled” community care about them. The also have to care about the rights and values of others. To stop blaming others for their problems and to take responsibility for their own actions.
Yes it is a tragedy but these people are victims of their own “culture”.
The fact of the matter is that most of them don’t want to live in houses, and the majority of the ones that have done in the past behaved so badly they get evicted.
A large portion of the population don’t dislike them for no reason.
Having said that there are probably better times and places to have discussions like this.
How serious are Travellers about the rights of settled people?
A large proportion of them are a scourge, even in the cities they are watching and prowling, and driving around in vans waiting for an opportunity; a lapse in security; a house with no burglar alarm; and they send in the underage trainees first-in case they are appprehended.
If the rural community think they have problems,join the club.!
To be fair Sean, imagine there’s only you and them, no one else for miles around. There’s no kids around either, no need.
Live near travellers,they have spent in the region of 1.5 million buying land ,houses and building new houses .they have new pick ups ,spend most nights drinking in local pubs and drive home by the way !! No questions are ever asked by revenue where this money comes from ,a small carpet store and selling trailers is suppose to be their income .i have worked for the past 20 years and can barely afford the mortgage .my sympathy to the family’s whom have lost their loved ones in the fire but travellers need live by the law and like normal people do , they need to work pay taxes and contribute to society like “most” normal settled people do !!!
Can the council send the travelers a bill for services rendered? Maybe they should pay a bit of taxes for the social services they enjoy.
Haven’t the journal already closed several threads because of the horrible comments in relation to people dying.
What ever anyone’s situation so many people including children dying in such a way is terrible beyond words.
I only hope the families can find peace some day.
And for those who wrote those awful comments (and I was shocked to read them) maybe karma does exist (though I don’t believe in it) and maybe one day you will find yourself outside your own home staring in unable to help your children…
I wouldn’t wish it on anyone but these things do happen and for someone to enjoy it is unspeakable beyond imagination.
It’s been such an awful weekend and I hate for the trolls and bigots to take the spotlight away from the innocents who have suffered over the past few days. Having said that, the journal needs to look at its comment moderation policy and practice. It seems the comment section here is being hijacked by the most depraved, cowardly and despicable people in our society. Would they say these things in public, down the pub or even to their mates of family, NO, because they are cowards.
If you ever have difficulty imagining the concept of infinity, just think of the level of stupidity and ignorance of these “people”.
That translates as ‘I wish to see any comments that deviate from my oh so righteous view censored and moderated’.
yep , I got that translation too .
So you think we should give a platform for people to say the most heinous things about the victims of an ongoing tragedy?
I kinda felt like “I wouldn’t wish it on anyone” really meant “I wish it on the people who said things I found distasteful”
sertious I have to agree. This is a public platform. even racists should be allowed to comment here. censorship damages all of us not just those being censored.
You’ll be sorry to hear that censorship goes on here all the time. Lots of comments deleted over the last few days. As I said before, I question the usefulness of opening a forum on an ongoing tragedy for which the details are only emerging.
so you think we shouldn’t be allowed to comment on anything , nobody should give their opinion on anything ?
Here’s an idea Journal. Either don’t print articles that you expect to attract diverse points of view or don’t allow any comments on them whatsoever.
You had no problem doing that with articles about Denis O’ Brien when he tried to stifle free speech in our national parliament, even for days after the court had ruled against him.
What did I just say Suzie?
ho Carlo I remember your comments on Saturday and like you I was exasperated at the level of vitriol so soon after such an awful tragedy. yes people are entitled to their opinions but outright bigotry and incitement to hatered does no one any good. those advocating their objection to any particular way of life have amble opportunity to vent their views without hijacking an article on such a tragic event.
If you feel that Carmo, do you thing the journal should not cover this story?
Without the comments section no one would read the journal.
You say people are entitled to express their opinion Margaret, yet you are prepared to judge what is an acceptable opinion and what is not. That’s contradictory, what may appear to you to be vitriol may seem a valid point of view to somebody else.
ah Betsy , you’ll hurt the journal’s feelings by saying that !
no read my post again. there are numerous opportunities for people to express their opinion. personally I just felt the level of vitriol was over the top considering 10 persons had just died. it was vicious. last week there was also an article on travellers and again it was vicious but it was a completely context. I was even asked if I was a ‘p@@@y’ and didn’t reply. regardless of community it would be ‘nice’ to express sympathy on such occassions as these while saving hard opinion for another day.
* completely different context
sorry say that again carmo ? I wasn’t listening .
What’s the point in expressing an opinion on a tragedy when not even the full details have emerged? What good can come of it?
And Suzie, don’t give me any cr@p, when your up there blanketly accusing victims and their families of anti-social behavior; sure that’s gonna get deleted for sure!
Despite all the green thumbs it got.
carmo , I never accused his family and I’m not the one who’s trying to control what gets said on a public forum . if my comment does get deleted , then so be it , that’s the way it goes .
As in the Indo where Redacted o’Swine carefully scrutinize every word..?
To my knowledge, no vitriolic remarks were passed about the victims themselves and I myself , would have been disgusted if there had been. What incensed people was the effort to use this tragedy to make excuses for travellers in general and their behaviour towards the community at large, by the usual PC, Bleeding Heart brigade who have probably never had to suffer at their hands and who use these opportunities to cry their crocodile tears.
well said martin ,100%
Wow carma , you are really up for starting a fight between settled and travellers , ppl like you are trouble makers , we all agree it was a terrible tragedy , why can’t you leave it there ? instead of accusations of racism and bigots over ppl giving the truth , your political correctness is driving me mad
Margaret there is no one in the universe that doesn’t sympathise. There is an article here saying they should have more rights thus it stands to reason that people will say wait now hold on they engage in violence fraud theft intimidation rape fear tactics vandalism litter dirt and sexual abuse. These are stone cold facts. Facts Margaret. So irrespective of the tragedy which no one denies is a tragedy this is a separate discussion on travellers rights and their behaviour is going to come into that conversation type obviously. Also Margaret I am not a bigot. real proof and fact is there that it’s happening in mass and not as a minority don’t believe me, type traveller into YouTube or Google or ask at random layman what they associate with traveller or the comments or the thumbs up. there’s a very clear picture from that Margaret which clearly shows that it’s not a
“minority”. were not bigots either. I’m open to all minorities. I’m pro gay people in pro coloured I’m pro everything. Gay people didn’t go to my father’s house with a knife and a hammer. They don’t attack old ladies with screwdrivers. The next time you say people are bigots to travellers here Margaret make sure you get a reality check and get your facts straight because you’re disgustingly out of line.
What a horrific weekend. First this and then the shooting in Co. Louth. Condolences to all affected.
One thing that should be taken from this tragedy, is that these type of units are not suitable for living accommodation. Daytime office units yes, but for housing families a no no. This type of tragedy will happen again unless things change.
The article title: “It begs the question: how serious is the government about Travellers’ rights?”
The Government is made up of people who represent the majority of Irish people, and as you can see there is very little sympathy or understanding from the majority of people for “Travellers” as a social group or as a way of life..
And hardly suprising, how many of you reading these comments have any traveller friends, business contacts, or neighbours? I would say Zero!
Due to their lack of integration into general society, disproportionately high rates of serious crimes and over-representation in the Irish prison population…Only recently we heard of a group of particularly violent and vicious young travellers who are now spending the next 10 years locked up…
Most of us fear and loathe anyone from the Traveller community, we hear groups like Pavee Point demanding more rights, yet who stands up for the normal taxpayer when they are robbed or defrauded by a traveller…
Or when we look at T.v shows about them and see brand new caravans, Range Rovers, the best of clothes and expensive weddings costing tens of thousands of Euro…
I have sympathy for the dead, but expecting the settled community to have concern about traveller rights when all we see is abuse of the system and the citizens of the state by them?
yeah I think most ordinary decent travellers hate those in your face/bling tv3 shows,filthy rich folk.
Travellers have human rights the same as every other citizen in the State, they’re not a separate ethnic minority as some bleeding hearts like to claim. It’s not unreasonable either to ask where the source of their wealth comes from, do they pay taxes on their income, why there appears to be inherent violence within the community, why is their sexulisation of girls and why are women condemned to lives of endless child rearing with the community. I have a tremendous amount of sympathy for the dead and their families not for the people who are cynically using this tragedy to promote their own misguided agenda.
what about victims rights that they burgle up and down the country what about animal rights that they abuse what about them not paying water rates like the rest of us have to pay for what about their waste taken away for free and we have to pay for the privilege I rest my case
10 people are dead 5 of them beautiful innocent children.. I can only imagine the horror the rest if the family are going through.. And will have to go through for the rest of their days. And I’m lost for words at the mindless insensitive crap people are posting.. If you have nothing nice to say just shut up! RIP to you all xxx
Who is left homeless? I will certainly donate as it’s a tragic case but I wonder about the motive here. Is it a collection with the charity getting the benefit or actually families.
Donna, anyone with experience of the St Vincent de Paul will tell you they are a reliable organisation.
Donna, show some sensitivity. The families could be reading this.
James. I want all my donation to go to the families. That’s my point here. I’m not getting into a debate about it.
You just did.
“I’m not getting into a debate about it.”
Then why post this stupid comment
“Who is left homeless? I will certainly donate as it’s a tragic case but I wonder about the motive here”
Donna , maybe the families in prefabs of homes beside the fire were badly damaged too .
Donna,
the social welfare grant will not cover the full cost of each funeral. So maybe that’s where the money will go.
Really sad incident..Hopefully lessons are learned so there’s no repeat of such a tragedy…
@The Girl
Hopefully you are right but it’s still Ireland and we have never learned any lessons!
Lesson to be learnt…..
Live in purpose built accommodation designed to certain standards established to protect life! Portocabins are not suitable!!!!!
They were under a bridge( from what i was told) and had to leave as they were building the tracks for the Luas in Carrickmines put on the Glenamuck Rd in the middle of the night by Councillors from Dun Laoghaire CC.
“Lesson to be learnt…..
Live in purpose built accommodation designed to certain standards established to protect life!”
Like Priory Hall, Longboat Quay and the many more places as yet undiscovered.??
This article “begs the question”, how close does Michael D Higgins come to breaching the necessary Constitutional restraints on his utterances and actions as President of Ireland? It could be argued that he has already egregiously breached the Constitution in this manner, in which case he could be impeached by the Oireachtas.
@John Reid
What exactly are you talking about?
What did Higgins do wrong in relation to this tragedy?
Dee Higgins is a Champagne Socialist who occasionally taps sad stories like this, so he can smirk in his own image in the mirror, as he counts his cash and tells himself what a great guy he is.
Ten of his ilk would not equate with somebody like Paul Murphy-a real socialist.!
@Sean
I partly agree with your view on Higgins but that hardly justifies impeachment.
Whoever can afford it, should donate. It’s an appalling tragedy.
Just to clarify why I think Fiona is getting red thumbs. It is because of what she said here on saturday. See FM’s comment above for clarification. She seems to be on a damage limitation mission here. I’m all for forgiveness but I hope she has modified her opinion about the rights of the traveller community to exist and continue to exist. Surely just after such an appalling tragedy was completely the wrong time to express these sentiments and I hope Fiona can recognise this.
and yet Carmo you felt the need to raise it all up again ? , funny that .
Terrible thing to happen and my heart goes out to those that will morn for a long time to come. But we still have to talk about the elephant in the room. Travellers do not want to interact with the settled community, never have and never will. They cause nothing but chaos in housing estates they are brought into. There are some exceptions to the rule but they are few and far between.
I agree naoimh and one of the guys had tragically died , had been evicted from a house for anti social behaviour so again people give out about prefabs and caravans being unsafe to live in , but again it’s their own choices .
Suzie there are many housing estates with extreme anti social behaviour and the said persons are not travellers.
Margaret , I totally agree with you , it goes on in most housing estates .
Travellers are not a distinct ethnic group.
Travellers, in the main, do not wish to mingle or live with ‘settled’ people.
Travellers, and their representative groups, do themselves no favours by constantly blaming everyone else for their woes.
Would I want my daughter to marry into a ‘culture’ that controls women and encourages them to leave school before getting a full education, discourages them from working. NO I wouldn’t and that is not racism, that is standing up for individuals (womens) rights.
Naoimh you are the only who speaks the truth.
This tragedy is one of the worst that has happened in a while, but these people will not live in a settled community they want to have houses where they can have caravans and only their people, not possible.
And i could say that the people in Glenamuck were tired of the children coming into their gardens “always looking for the dog”.
The should have the right to live by the same laws and standards as the rest of us. That’s it. what the actually want us to have special rights to not dobtge above and have us all go “Ahh its ok, they can do whaterver they want because it’s their culture” Sorry.. life doesn’t work that way.
the local fine Gael councillor for the area sent out a letter a while ago commending the fact that shed managed to stop the building of a traveller site in the area, like wise a fine Gael councillor in my own area sent out flyers saying he’d managed to halt a traveller site in the area, don’t be fooled by their crocodile tears for a minute.
To lose so many in one night I don’t know how I would cope. I send my condolences and best wishes to the families of these poor people. RIP.
A terrible tragedy undoubtedly , but comments by Pavee Point are remarkably unhelpful . The travelling community has unfortunately a well deserved reputation for antisocial behaviour . Is this reputation being fabricated or is it correct? Pavee seem to be suggesting that landlords should be more inclined to rent to anyone , traveller or settled people. Well Pavee is the reputation deserved or not.? If not , why not? Instead of trying to score points over the tragedy why not admit to the problems and start trying to do something about it.
this is an awful tragedy, not a political football
Horrible sick comments on the thread yesterday even when people showed sympathy they got red thumbed. Made me sick to the stomach. R.I.P. Those who can give, give what you can.
matt , I would say it’s an automated spam.
@Braeckmanns
Feck off with your poxy scam, you moron!
Show some decency!
I never criticise Journal journalists ever but this is the worst journalism I have ever seen. full stop. absolute gutter journalism. an embarrassment. your job is to report on everything. you have left out traveller theft violence intimidation fraud elderly abuse sexual abuse. I can categorically say you’re not fit to be a journalist.
Surely travellers are as entitled to council houses as other Irish citizens?
What a tragedy, may the families rest in peace.
Sarah Holland is full of it .Caravans and mobile homes are not tinder boxes, she should book a holiday in Brittas Bay for a week, why not a month on her salary. Like the rest of the vast array of public servants who draw big salaries creating work for themselves catering to Travelers who would be much better able to look after themselves if the State in it’s stupidity didn’t pursue policies that convinced them that they are entitled to be endlessly supported without providing any thing in return other than more of the same.
Yes we’re all about equality and human rights. How many companies or businesses are willing to give travellers a job? how many banks will give them a mortgage ? how many people would like to see them living in their housing estates? As an equal society we shun the travelling community and moan about their behaviour. really what chance or opportunities do they have. It’s alright to leave them rotting away from view in the filthiest of conditions and at the same time decide to build housing for refugees. What a hypocritical shower we are. Equality what does it really mean. RIP to those unfortunate human beings.
how would you fix it seamus?
Seamus , how many travellers want a job ? how many travellers want a mortgage ? how many travellers want to live in housing estates ? how many travellers want to integrate with settled communities ? what about the children and schooling ? how many go to school on a full time bases ? these questions need answers too .
Stardust comes to mind?
the majority of travellers have money and don’t pay taxes. the proof of their wealth is very clear in their cars, vans, weddings shows and headstones.
@Suzie
Sure it is but there is always somebody behind this kind of scam.
Anyway it should be taken off!
Matt , I agree it should be taken down .
Some of these comments are horrendous, if they were black, had towels wrapped round their heads or worked in Jimmy Cheungs such comments would be removed.
These ‘Irish travellers’ are as, if not more, Irish than most in this country, their ‘rights’ are as due protection as any other Irish citizen but not greater since it’s a Republic but, ‘temporary’ halting sites need to be converted into real homes.
Not all Gypsies are the type who abuse the system, there’s bad throughout Irish society.
Good Man Joey you sound like Citizen Smith. Rent it on video and you’ll see what I mean.
Joey I have met a LOT of travellers and not one has been non violent including a knife to my father on a farm for asking to leave his land. its a vast majority
well of course Sarah Holland is a shinner and they jump on the band wagon of every poor down trodden minority in society. it’s how they get their votes.
travellers should get equal rights , this tragedy was awful but travellers are getting lots of the government , the council’s are bending over backwards for them , in my area travellers family got free houses while others pay a mortgage , most of them are great neighbors but 2 families unfortunately are making everyone else’s lives a misery , yet the council’s refuse to evict them cos they are travellers , where a settled family would be gone
This government took 2 resource teachers from the kids of traveller families, it says it all about how much people care.
SNAs were cut in every area of the country, travellers were not the only group to suffer.
Never judge a book by its cover especially when use don’t know the family that this had happened to.. They happen to be my relations
And for your information I’m a legal Secretary in a legal accountants i pay taxes and went to college, I’m a traveller does this mean use all compare the definition that use call “traveller” to ever single one of us? I’m sorry but that’s discrimination right there!!
Just because we have a label on us doesn’t give use the right to judge others
People have lost their lived here and they happen to be my family that were actually waiting to be housed for the last 5 years
Think before use speak before u start making judgements on other people lives
The nature of these comments is almost entirely uniform; identify the out group; apply universal negative traits to that out-group, and in doing so deny all individual identity.
There is a word for this; bigotry.
Now it may be that Irish Travelers have a tendency to behave in particular ways. You can apply that to any identifiable group. But to then ‘tar them all with the same brush’, thus denying all individual identity, is flying very close to a dangerous way of thinking. It has done inordinate damage to Europe in the recent past. We should know better.
Be more careful in your thinking.
have your say