A new programme is being proposed for Ennis that will aim to tackle the growing problem of traveller homelessness.
Traveller led Approved Housing Body CENA is coming on board with the local authority with a view to transforming the delivery of homes and renovating halting sites countywide.
The goal of CENA, which is the word for home in the traveller language ‘CANT’ is to deliver culturally appropriate homes.
In this regard, CENA has identified spaces to facilitate animal ownership, caravans and typically larger households as factors to be considered.
At the beginning of the year, 11 traveller families in Clare were living in emergency accommodation, with 9 more on unauthorised sites.
Family Liaison Officer Breeda Harty says that substandard overcrowded living spaces lead to challenges for travellers aiming to integrate with wider society and feed into negative stereotypes.
The organisation is aiming to redevelop and regenerate all existing traveller halting sites in Clare, which currently accommodate 15 families.
It’s also seeking to develop one new group housing scheme at a suitable location to act as a demonstration of good practice and future initiatives.
CENA is not in favour of the current model of walled halting sites and believes key aspects of culture should be celebrated and reflected in traveller accommodation.
A proposed national pilot at Boher in Limerick involves a site with a large green space, stables, caravan bays and sustainable homes with solar panels, enclosed by fencing.
Clare County Council has previously noted that some traveller households are refusing offers of social housing due to ongoing feuds and that it’s seeing growing presentations from the community to its Homeless Action Team.
CENA CEO Brian Dillon says they’re aware of the challenges and have plans in place to deliver suitable homes and allocate them appropriately.
You can listen to the full interview below.
