Shannon councillor urges end to camp

The Shannon-based chairman of the Mid-Western Health Board has called for the removal of the Shannon Peace Camp claiming it is a potential health hazard. Councillor Seán Hillery (FF) said the camp was without any sanitary facilities and people were living in conditions that were not healthy.

"We can't have two laws; one for Travellers where they would be moved on if it was a Traveller encampment and another for these people where it appears that they can remain," he said yesterday.

"Travellers have been moved on from areas of Shannon numerous times, but nothing is being done in this instance." He said gardaí should be able to remove the camp's caravan under the recent trespass legislation.

Last Monday week, a representative from Aer Rianta requested that the peace activists remove the camp, pointing out that the site was Aer Rianta-owned property. However, the activists refused and the State company has not made any move since to have the camp removed.

Mr Hillery also said he was concerned that the peace camp was making Shannon a potential terrorist target and damaging Shannon's reputation in the eyes of US investors in the mid-west.

"I agree with the anti-war principles held by the camp members, but they should be protesting at the legislators in Dublin to make their point, not in Shannon."

Shannon-based member of Clare County Council Ms Patricia McCarthy (Ind) agreed.

"We have been very vocal in calling for Travellers to be moved on and we cannot have the law applied any differently to these people. The camp at the moment looks dreadful and I would have serious concerns over the attention it is drawing to Shannon. The reaction to the peace camp in Shannon itself is mixed."

A local woman, Ms Kay White, said the activists had taken great care to maintain the site and that it remained in good condition.

Ms Rebecca Garcia said the camp would remain until a decision was made not to allow US flights carrying troops and supplies into Shannon.

Yesterday, passing motorists continued beeping their horns in support.