An alleged illegal encampment has taken place at a Newry city centre site earmarked for a multi-million pound public park development.
A number of camper vans and other vehicles have been parked up in Albert Basin as early as Monday this week.
The site, which is due to undergo a £16m investment as a new city park, was formerly known as St Christopher’s Park and was a long term residence for the Traveller community since the 1970s.
However, it was vacated in the early 2000s with Newry, Mourne and Down District Council taking almost two decades to reach a new development stage for the 15 acre location.
The Local Democracy Reporting Service (NMDDC) contacted the authorities over the ongoing incident.
A council spokesperson said : “Newry, Mourne and Down District Council can confirm it is aware of the matters raised and is dealing with them through the appropriate processes.”
NMDDC has recently approved the use of the controversial weedkiller chemical Glyphosate to tackle the invasive Giant Hogweed plants at Albert Basin.
A construction team is due to be on site to begin the Phase One of the Newry City Park at Albert Basin by the Autumn 2025, though a weed treatment plan could take five years.
The ability to manage the weed problem is said by council officers to be putting the Albert Basin project at “acute risk”.
A PSNI spokesperson added: “Police were approached by the local district council on Monday, July 22 to assist in enforcing an Unauthorised Encampment Order 2005 in relation to a number of people who were residing in the Albert Basin area of Newry.
“Officers attended and spoke with those present, advising of their illegal encampment in the area.
“Our enquiries remain ongoing at this time as we work alongside partner agencies in relation to this report.”
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