8 March 2005
UNAUTHORISED ENCAMPMENTS ORDER LAID BEFORE PARLIAMENT
New legislation to control unauthorised encampments has been laid at Westminster, the Minister for Social Development, John Spellar MP, announced today.
The draft Unauthorised Encampments (Northern Ireland) Order 2005 will give the police power to direct people who camp illegally to leave land and to remove their vehicles and other property in certain circumstances. Subject to Parliamentary approval, it is expected that the Order could become law later this year.
The Minister said: "It is clear from wide ranging public consultation that there is strong support in the community for the introduction of these measures. Similar legislation is already in place in Great Britain.
"I am aware of concerns about the availability of alternative sites. Accordingly, as a measure of protection for Irish Travellers who set up unauthorised encampments, the police will be required to consult with the Housing Executive on the availability of a suitable site within a reasonable distance."
Notes TO Editors:
- The draft Order is obtainable from the Stationary Office Bookshop, 16 Arthur Street, Belfast, BT1 4GD. It is also available on the Department’s website www.dsdni.gov.uk
- The Northern Ireland Housing Executive is responsible for developing housing schemes to address the particular needs of Travellers and for the provision and management of serviced and transit sites.
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