A group of Roma families who have been living on a motorway roundabout in Dublin for several weeks have been served with immigration papers by members of the Garda National Immigration Bureau.
The gardai visited the encampment on a huge roundabout at the Naul/Ballymun interchange of the M50 at 5.30am along with a number of Romanian translators. They also served papers at a derelict house on the Old Swords Road.
The operation was carried out under the direction of the Superintendent at Santry Garda Station and papers were served on a total of 86 people.
Concern had been expressed about the presence of the group Roma group on the busy road, and immigrant support groups have expressed concern about their welfare and living conditions.
Earlier this week an alliance of support groups yesterday called for "urgent humanitarian intervention" to deal with the issue.
That alliance - including Traveller support group Pavee Point, Crosscare, the Conference of Religious of Ireland and the Roma Support Group - said the crisis situation was "worsening on a daily basis".
Bad weather, no rubbish collection and the lack of heat or adequate shelter were contributing to the dire living conditions.
Bulgaria and Romania were admitted to the European Union on January 1st this year. There are restrictions on the employment of citizens of those countries in this State that do not apply to other EU countries. It is understood the families who have been living on the roundabout do not have work permits.
The group now have 15 days to make representations to the Minister for Justice Brian Lenihan as to why a removal order should not be made.