There had been several outbreaks of dysentery in Charleville, Co Cork, since a group of travellers had taken over the town's central car park, the High Court has been told.
Miss Justice Laffoy was told yesterday that since their encampment was close to town-centre food shops it was probable that further outbreaks of dysentery and even more serious diseases would occur.
Sister Celestine, public health nursing officer, of the local Convent of Mercy, told the court she was gravely concerned about the danger to public health that had existed since the travellers occupied the car park almost a year ago.
She was giving sworn written evidence on behalf of three Charleville traders, Mr James Harmon, Mr Michael Murray and Mr Edward O'Shea, who are seeking to have the travellers removed. The travellers have already obtained a High Court injunction restraining Cork County Council from forcibly or otherwise moving them or their families from the town.
Their counsel, Mr Garry O'Halloran, had told the court that they believed they had a right to be housed in Charleville under the Housing Acts, and that the local authority had refused to house them despite repeated applications.
Mr Terry O'Sullivan, counsel for the Charleville traders, said that 10 per cent of the population of Charleville were settled travellers. The newcomers had moved in and had said they wanted to settle. Some of them had accommodation elsewhere and others had sold up their accommodation and moved to Charleville seeking to be rehoused.
Sister Celestine said the families had no running water, sewage disposal system or refuse control. The potential for the spread of serious disease in the town was very high.
She said the car park was close to an old people's housing complex and to the primary and secondary schools. Gardens and yards were being used as waste disposal areas. A green area, the only place for old folk to stroll or children to play, was now used as an open toilet.
Sister Celestine said the antisocial behaviour of the newcomers had created ill-feeling towards the travelling community in the town, a feeling which had not previously existed.
Miss Justice Laffoy said the matter involved difficult and complex issues relating to new legislation dealing with the rehousing of travellers. She adjourned the case until October 7th.