GARDAÍ ARE to erect massive screens along the streets of Borris, Co Carlow, next week "to protect local amenities" as Travellers from all over Ireland turn up for an annual street fair.
Borris Fair is a key date in the calendar of the Traveller community. Pubs and shops are expected to close their doors on Wednesday and Thursday as up to 3,000 visitors arrive to trade a range of goods, from horses to power tools.
Green Party deputy leader and local TD Mary White said: "The fair is a huge cause of concern and anxiety for residents every year. The rubbish left behind has seen an entire year's work by the Tidy Towns and Fás groups undone in just 24 hours. The clean-up operation alone can cost the local council as much as €14,000.
"This year we've had talks with local gardaí and have arranged for large Harris fencing to be put up to protect new amenities and landscaped areas in the town."
The fair has been held on August 15th, the Feast of the Assumption, for more than 400 years. It is believed the right to hold the fair goes back to a charter granted by Queen Elizabeth I.
"The people accept that the fair can take place, but the visitors must adhere to litter, parking and trading laws," said Ms White.
Gardaí and Carlow County Council are working on a traffic management plan and it is expected traders will only be allowed to park and set up stalls from the morning of August 15th. "They can come at the crack of dawn next Thursday and go home the same day, taking their rubbish with them," said Ms White.
Michael O'Shea, who runs a shop and pub, said he will probably have to close for two days. "The big worry for residents is the lead-up to the fair because often the traders set up days in advance to get the best pitches and don't leave for days after."
Cait and James Cody said they will close their hotel, which opened last October, for the duration. "It's really not on. Our village has been destroyed by this fair for too many years," said Ms Cody.