Travellers targeted online after M9 crash - Pavee Point

Following the tragic M9 crash in Co Kildare, Pavee Point, a Traveller rights organization, has expressed deep concern over the online abuse targeted at the Traveller community. The three funerals of the five young people killed in the two-vehicle collision took place today, while three women and a seven-year-old boy remain hospitalized with serious injuries.

Pavee Point spokesman, Martin Collins, called for a speedy recovery for the injured and extended condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. He described the incident as a terrible tragedy, a senseless tragedy, and condemned the vile racism directed towards the Traveller community and the deceased.

Collins expressed his shock and sadness at the circumstances of the crash, emphasizing that any Traveller he spoke to felt the same way. He highlighted the irresponsible and reckless decision to drive on the wrong side of the road, which led to the tragedy. Collins pointed out that social media often fails to provide context, such as the fact that three of the young victims had been involved with Tusla, the Irish child and family agency.

He acknowledged the influence of social media, peer pressure, and the desire for likes and buzz as factors that could contribute to dangerous online behavior.

However, Collins strongly condemned the hate speech and racial abuse directed at the Traveller community on social media. He cited examples of extreme comments, including calls for sterilization, concentration camps, and kneecapping. Collins emphasized that the entire Traveller community was being targeted and subjected to racial abuse, urging social media companies to take action against hate speech. He called for unity and solidarity among communities, rather than division and hate, in response to this senseless tragedy.