‘We’re not penniless alcoholics who want to terrorise’ says caravan man

A member of the Irish Camping and Caravan Club (ICCC) says Limavady Road residents have nothing to fear from park.

Dermot McElmeel of the ICCC Northern Branch said the proposed St Columb’s Park facility will boost tourism and jobs.

He believes Londonderry missed out in 2007 when the ICCC attracted 1,400 caravans and motorhomes from all over Europe to a ten day rally in Cork.

He claimed most of these people toured all over the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland but few came to Londonderry because facilities were not available.

Mr McElmeel made the statement after Limavady Road residents objected to the camp site because they thought it would be turned into a Traveller halting site after Londonderry UK City of Culture 2013.

In a letter to the Sentinel, Mr McElmeel stated: “Let me assure local residents that the proposed caravan park will not become a ‘halting site,’ as some have suggested.

“There is massive demand for a quality caravan park within walking distance of the city centre. In 2007 the ICCC attracted 1,400 caravans and motorhomes from all over Europe to a ten day rally in Millstreet, County Cork.

“Most went on to tour around Ireland, but few visited Derry.

“Caravanners are not penniless alcoholics who enjoy terrorising local inhabitants. Most of us have worked hard for many years and want to enjoy the different cultures that Europe has to offer.”

He claimed that caravanning offers an opportunity to disconnect from the rat race.

“It widens our perspective of life and creates memories of a lifetime. The ICCC wishes Derry every success in taking its rightful place as a world class tourism destination,” he wrote.