Security measures have been put in place to prevent any further Traveller families gaining access to the main car-park at Knock Shrine in advance of next week's annual novena, which is expected to attract more than 100,000 pilgrims.
Some of the 20 or so families illegally parked in the west park, which is close to the basilica, had moved on by yesterday, but with August 15th, the Feast of the Assumption, drawing nearer, there are fears of a renewed influx.
Mayo County Council, which owns the main car-park in Knock, was to seek an injunction to remove the latest illegal encampment, but by yesterday morning most of the Travellers had moved of their own accord. Security personnel were on duty at the car-park yesterday.