Prison sentences were last night imposed on three Travellers who established an illegal halting site on the grounds of Ennis Town Council headquarters over two months last summer.
The defendants later opted to do community service instead of of going to jail.
It is understood to be the first time that a judge has gone as far as imposing prison sentences under the legislation dealing with illegal Traveller encampments enacted in 2002, under which gardaí have the authority to seize and impound caravans without the need of a court order.
At Ennis District Court Judge Joseph Mangan sentenced 19-year-old Kevin Maughan to 42 days and fined him €6,000.
John McDonagh (19) was sentenced to a 21-day prison term and fined €200, while Patrick Mongan (20) received a 42-day jail term and a €600 fine.
Judge Mangan then asked if the three would consent to community service in lieu of the jail terms. All consented, with Maughan and Mongan agreeing to do 240 hours' service and McDonagh agreeing to 120. They had pleaded guilty to the charges.
Judge Mangan said various sections of society were from time to time aggrieved at the actions and policies of officialdom.
"However, this court cannot condone any person in any circumstances taking the law into their own hands."
Solicitor for the three, Ms Tara Godfrey, said the Travellers had acted out of despair and frustration at the local authority's failure to provide them with accommodation.
Ms Heather Rosen, member of an Ennis-based Travellers' rights group, told the court the Travellers were illegally parked at the town council's offices due to the absence of emergency accommodation for Travellers in the area.
