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The hundreds of caravans that appeared in Portmarnock and Malahide yesterday evening are there for a religious event, a Traveller missionary has said.

Locals were left baffled yesterday after hundreds of caravans rolled into the field, with queues of vehicles running through Portmarnock village.

They then made their way towards a 1.3 acre site at Blackwood Lane, which will host a huge religious gathering for the next two weeks, according to the pastor.

The French pastor, known as Ollie, also says he has received permission from the owner of the land to do so, adding that they would remain at the site for the next two weeks.

He told Dublin Live that he regularly preaches to members of the Travelling community, and welcomed locals to attend daily services.

He said: "I am a 'born-again' Christian. I'm missionary pastor; I came from France and I work among the Traveller people in Ireland and England.

"I spread the Gospel among the Traveller people. We have had good results, many of them have converted. The fighting and drinking has finished completely [here].

"Their lives have changed, and now they pray to Jesus Christ, and work for Jesus Christ.

"I spoke with the property owner, he is my friend, we have our first meeting today at 5.30.

"[There will be services] every day at 5.30, and all people are welcome."

Yesterday, local councillor Brian McDonagh commented on the confusion among locals, saying: "I have contacted the council regarding the caravans on private land at Blackwood lane.

"The guards have also been contacted."

Dublin Live has contacted Fingal County Council for comment.