Lawyers for Mid Ulster District Council argued that a caravan has now been unlawfully located on the site in Magherafelt, Co Derry for the last three months. The local authority is seeking an order to have the occupants of its land at Greenvale Leisure Centre evicted. Advertisement Advertisement Did you know with an ad-lite subscription to NorthernIrelandWorld, you get 70% fewer ads while viewing the news that matters to you.
Barrister Andrew Brown , representing the council, disputed claims that it would breach the Irish Travellers’ right to a nomadic lifestyle and render them homeless in violation of Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights. He told the court efforts have been made to get them to move since the caravan first arrived at the car park on March 21. “It cannot be seriously argued that the occupants can demonstrate a sufficient and continuing link with this place to show that it is there home,” Mr Brown said.
“There is nothing exceptional about this case, it’s simply unfortunate that the occupiers have chosen to stay on a car park where there is an immediate use, and difficult to see any circumstances where Article 8 should be a defence to allow them to remain.” Advertisement Advertisement The council’s application for possession of the land is being resisted amid allegations there is no suitable alternative sites for the Irish Travellers in the area. Mr Brown argued that 42 spaces are available at recreational caravan parks owned by the.
