TRAVELLERS in Limerick say they have lost complete confidence in the two local authorities and feel they are “all promises and no action”.
Limerick City and County Councils‘ draft Traveller Accommodation Programme 2014-2018, currently on public display, is due to be implemented within new local authority structures in April. According to a spokesperson for the Irish Traveller Movement (ITM), the programme shows no understanding of the distinct needs of Travellers.
National accommodation worker with the ITM, Bridgie Casey commented, “The Traveller Accommodation Programme shows no recognition of Travellers as an ethnic minority, distinct group with needs such as Nomadism, economic activities and spaces for such activities. The draft only states Travellers as having different needs and accommodation preferences with no mention of why this is the case and any understanding of the Traveller culture.”
Ms Casey revealed that the Travellers of Limerick City have now made a submission to the Councils’ draft Traveller Accommodation Programme. She described the current draft as “vague in parts” and strongly believes consultation is needed in order to meet the actual accommodation needs of Travellers.
“Ballysimon Road unofficial halting site has no mention in this traveller accommodation programme. This halting site was also left out of the last traveller accommodation programme. This is a cause for concern as families are living on this site with basic facilities for a number of years. If Ballysimon Road halting site is left out of the Traveller Accommodation Programme for 2014-2018 it will leave the families who live here in a vulnerable position and their needs will not be met,” Ms Casey warned.
She went on to point out added difficulties experienced by Traveller people with disabilities and the impact this has upon their families.
“Particular attention needs to go to those who are especially vulnerable in this way in relation to the design of dwellings and essential funding drawn in to facilitate necessary adjustments. Priority needs to be given to provide adequate accommodation to Traveller families where there is a child or adult with special needs to ensure a family are able to take care of their dependent relative.
The programme is expected to be implemented within new local authority structures on April 20 next in conjunction with the Limerick Regeneration Plan and the Inter-Agency Strategy for Traveller Services for Limerick city and county.
Currently there are 88 traveller families approved as applicants on the housing list. Another 70 families are seeking transfer or improvement to their existing accommodation. The majority of these families live in halting sites or group housing accommodation in the city.
Speaking at a recent council briefing on the draft accommodation programme, Cllr Maurice Quinlivan (Sinn Fein) expressed his view that Travellers have very little faith in City Council.
“They have huge concerns about issues affecting their children and the rise in suicide among Travellers. It’s time we looked at their needs,” he said.
