Residents in Galway oppose a Traveller woman moving onto their housing estate.
Residents of the Shantalla housing estate in Galway have voiced objections to Traveller woman Mrs Annie Furey, moving onto the estate.
Annie Furey has been living in an old dilapidated house at Spanish Parade near Galway Docks for the past ten years. She has had fifteen children. Three of her children are now deceased, and just two of her children are still living with her. Galway Corporation has offered her a house for the second time, and for the second time, she has been prevented from moving in.
Annie Furey claims that the residents of the estate have classed her "a Tinker" and do not consider her good enough to live alongside them. Despite their objections and threats, she is determined to move into the house.
She describes her current living situation as very bad, with no heat or light. The poor conditions have had a direct impact on the health of her two children.
Bishop of Galway, Most Rev Dr Michael Browne, believes the majority of residents living in Shantalla would have no objection to Annie Furey moving into the neighbourhood. He says that the corporation has come to the decision that Annie Furey is worthy of a house in Shantalla, just like other residents who have received housing on the estate. He appeals to the Shantalla residents to consider the appalling conditions that Annie Furey is currently living in.
No one would like to say that the people of Galway would be so inconsiderate as to refuse any relief to a person living in such conditions.
Residents on the Shantalla estate offer their views and objections to Annie Furey moving into the neighbourhood. Tom Kelly says 95% of the residents at Shantalla object to Annie Furey moving into the area. Another resident, Mrs Folan, says that there are already people living in the area who need new houses and they should take priority. She admits that part of the reason for their objections is that Annie Foley comes from the Traveller Community.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 4 September 1970. The reporter is Ronnie Turner.
