'Did they think you were setting up a halting site?' - Man fumes on RTÉ radio as council take caravan
Originally from Wexford, he said that he had planned to use the caravan for visits home
A 71-year-old security guard, William Browne, was shocked to discover his caravan, purchased a month prior, was missing from his property after returning from his early morning shift.
Speaking to Joe Duffy on RTÉ's Liveline, William, who starts work in Dublin at 5am, was informed one morning last week by his daughter at approximately 10am that the caravan had been taken. It was confirmed that South Dublin County Council's Environmental team removed the caravan following several complaints from local residents.
The caravan, which William admits he acquired for €1,600 just four weeks ago, was to be intended as a cost-effective alternative to B&Bs and hotels.
Originally from Wexford, now living in Clondalkin, he said that he had planned to use the caravan for visits home, especially during summer when relatives come to visit.
Despite words from council staff that the caravan was not an issue as long as it was unoccupied, William was surprised by the action taken against him. It is said that a notice citing the Housing Miscellaneous Provisions Act required him to remove the "temporary dwelling" within one day, with warnings of a €1,270 fine.
The caravan, which they joked was something from 'Father Ted,' was on a grassy spot until it was seized. "There's an patch of grass, westbound, at the side of my house and there's surveillance there on the wall, and that's where the carvan was," said William.
Later, Joe responded: "What did they think you were doing? Setting up a halting site or something."
After calling the council's environmental office after receiving a letter regarding the caravan, William received no answer so took to visit the Tallaght-based office. It said that the situation remains unresolved, and the caravan is still seized.
William, who also owns a small boat and a jeep which can pull the caravan, was disappointed over the council’s actions. Given previous health struggles which he detailed on the show, including past heart surgery, a stroke, diabetes, and chronic asthma, William told Joe of his worries on his health regarding the stress of the ordeal.
South Dublin County Council have been contacted for comment on the matter, but had not replied at time of publication.