Wicklow County Council asked to remove graffiti at Trudder House in Newtownmountkennedy

By Hugh O'Farrell Walsh, The Wicklow People

Wicklow County Council officials have been asked to remove graffiti at Trudder House in Newtownmountkenndy.

The site was the centre of violent protests in April last year after workers contracted to carry out construction work on the former HSE facility attempted to enter the site.

The Department of Integration had earmarked the area as an accommodation centre for international protection applicants.

At the time Gardai said they “used force to defend themselves”, including the use of pepper spray, as part of an “escalated response” to the violence.

Several people were arrested during clashes with public order gardai while three Garda patrol cars were damaged, and fires were set.

The international protection applicants who were staying at the site have since been relocated to other locations and the building has been lying vacant since last October.

During the June meeting of Wicklow Municipal District, Independent Cllr John Snell enquired about what measures are being taken to restore the area.

“Locals in the town are still reeling from the violence that occurred last year. Footpaths and public lighting in the area need to be upgraded.”

Cllr Paul O’ Brien also expressed the need to maintain the site while Cllr Shane Langrell indicated he was working with Tánaiste Simon Harris on the matter.