Large numbers of halting sites for travellers should be established around the country, irrespective of whether people like it or not, Bishop William Walsh of Killaloe has said.
Government and local authorities have an obligation to provide accommodation for travellers despite public protest, he told a conference organised by the Feder ation of Irish Travellers.
He believed local authorities would have more success if they introduced a large number of small halting sites at the same time, and if this was done by all the local authorities in the State.
"There are certain issues where the relevant authorities have to decide this is the right thing to do and we will do it irrespective of whether people like it or not," he said.
"If we keep backing away from the problem it's going to get worse year by year."
But, he said, there are rights and obligations on both sides.
"The settled community have a duty not to prevent travellers getting accommodation. Travellers themselves have a responsibility to live in a manner which doesn't make life impossible for their neighbours."