The Carrickmines tragedy could 'easily have happened in Newbridge'

The Carrickmines tragedy could easily have taken place in  Newbridge, according to a local county Cllr.

A fire which claimed the lives of five adults and children at a South Dublin halting site has shocked the nation.

Speaking to KildareNow, Independent  Cllr Paddy Kennedy said to KildareNow that this terrible tragedy could easily have happened in a Newbridge halting site, two years ago.

However, €1million is now being invested in a major development plan for  the site called Tankers Gardens.

The Cllr  said that  two years ago living conditions were very poor at the site. Now conditions have radically improved, according to Cllr Kennedy.

Cllr Kennedy said: "They are so lucky, the Carrickmines tragedy could easily have happened in Newbridge two years ago. This was the first thing that I thought when I heard of the tragedy."

Meanwhile, Independent Cllr Joanne Pender is a member of the Traveller Consultative Committee. She outlined that there are proposals for eight bays on the site with full washing facilities.