The Sinn Féin leader has expressed concerns over claims that a group of travellers have been evicted from a Louth halting site.

Gerry Adams says 17 families have been asked to vacate Woodland Park in Dundalk.

The site is understood to have no mains electricity, water or sewerage services there.

He's calling on the local authority to negotiate with the families involved.

“I understand that discussions are ongoing between representatives of the families and the council. These efforts should be given the space to conclude without the threat of eviction, said Adams.

“I visited the Woodland Park site in late December following the Carrickmines fire tragedy. There are approximately 17 families currently living on the site including many children, a number of new-born babies, and at least one pregnant woman.

"The families raised concerns with me regarding the water safety and a number of other health and safety matters and I have been working with them on these matters."

Pavee Point has also condemned the decision to evict the residents. Martin Collins says the situation is concerning in light of Ireland's hearing at the UN on children's rights this week :