A Brief History of Vanlife

A new fire safety awareness campaign has been launched in Galway to improve safety for people living in caravans and mobile homes. Led by Galway County Council's Traveller Accommodation Unit and supported by the Dormant Accounts Fund, the campaign features a video focusing on fire prevention and emergency response. The video was produced in partnership with Galway Fire Services, Traveller representative groups, Colas, and the local authority. Officials highlighted that fires in caravans spread quickly and escape routes are limited.

Camping packages for the 2027 Ryder Cup at Adare Manor will go on sale on June 11. Two-night packages average €179, Sunday-only packages average €188 per person per night. The campsite is a short walk from the course and includes showers, toilets, lounges, and charging stations. Pink Moon is the operator.

The popularity of camper vans in Ireland has led to a shortage of used models, driving interest in imports. Post-Brexit, imports from the UK have become more complex, but Japanese models like the Mazda Bongo offer alternatives. Importers must pay 13.3% Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT), plus potential VAT and customs duties. A lower 8% VRT rate applies to models with CO2 emissions below 120g/km, such as the VW California PHEV.

Ireland's Department of Defence is seeking a court injunction to ban caravans from the Curragh racecourse lands in County Kildare. The department's lawyer stated that two caravans owned by Nicole O'Brien are attracting other trespassers. Cleanup costs in 2024 amounted to €185,000.

Mountcrest Caravan Park Ltd has applied for planning permission to retain 20 existing caravans in Bundoran. The company also seeks permission for 18 new static caravans at Magheracar. The development includes a new access road, utility infrastructure, a children's play area, and an all-weather pitch.

Cork County Council has launched an investigation into the possible illegal discharge of effluent by boat and campervan owners. The move follows complaints about coastal pollution, including the loss of Blue Flag status at Fountainstown Beach. The county has only one civic campervan/motorhome facility with waste disposal, in Cobh, but reports have emerged of human waste being dumped into the sea near Cuskinny beach and other scenic spots in West Cork.