Irish MEP calls on local authorities to stop ignoring illegally parked campervans in Carlow

Ireland South MEP and Carlow native Cynthia Ní Mhurchú, a leading member of the EU Tourism Taskforce, has called on local authorities across Ireland to grant more planning permissions for facilities for campervans or invest in municipal campervan parks where no private facilities exist.

Ní Mhurchú has accused local authorities of putting their head in the sand when it comes to the regulation of, and opportunity provided by, camper van tourism.

“I would like to see more planning permissions given to camping and caravan parks and more supports for private existing campsites. Where no private facilities exist, local authorities should invest in modern basic facilities for campervan tourists that will allow them to dispose of waste, have showers, get water and power. Charge them a small fee for using these municipal camper van parks and reinvest that money back into the park”

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According to Ní Mhurchú, illegally parked campervans are an eyesore at our beaches,

“Where are those campervans dumping their waste, grey water, sewerage and where are they getting water and sanitation?”

Camper van tourists spend money in the local restaurant, the local shop and buy groceries in the local supermarket. They are a valuable part of our tourism offering and we should have specific facilities that they can use and stay in the area.

Ní Mhurchú emphasised that she is only advocating for municipal facilities to be provided where existing private campsites do not exist.

Ní Mhurchú will raise the issue with EU Tourism chief, EU Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas when she meets with him in July. She will ask the EU Commissioner to consider EU funding supports to build these basic campervan facilities across Europe so that we can encourage a sustainable form of tourism that will reap rewards for coastal communities across Ireland and the EU.

Campervan culture has exploded since Covid as it becomes an increasingly popular way for Europeans to holiday. Travelling by road can be a more sustainable approach to exploration and adventure.