Since early January approximately ten caravans have been parked illegally on private lands at Millbank housing estate in Sallins. On several occasions since then, local residents had made complaints of anti-social behaviour to Naas Gardaí.

This issue was first brought to my attention by a resident in Millbank about three weeks ago. Clearly local residents were concerned about the level of anti-social behaviour going on at the site. I subsequently got in contact with Supt. Ian Lackey at Naas Garda station and am glad to report that as of this afternoon (Tuesday 4th) all caravans with the exception of one have vacated the site.

Gardaí believe that the one caravan which remains has been abandoned and are preparing to remove it, unless it is collected by Wednesday.

Mr. Anthony Neville who owns the land in question is now working to secure the site from any potential trespassing in the future.

I would like to take this opportunity to praise Supt. Ian Lackey and his staff at Naas Garda Station in the way they handled this situation. It’s important to remember that young children are involved here too and it’s not the role of the Gardaí to evict people from their homes without reason. In this case several issues pertaining to trespass and anti-social behaviour had been raised and Gardaí acted within their powers and with due sensitivity to individuals involved to bring about a peaceful solution.