Traveller Accommodation Needs Analysis Project (2023 – 2024)

2024 Highlights

Clare Traveller CDP identified the need for this project and successfully sought support from Clare County Council, SICAP & HSE. The Traveller Accommodation Needs Analysis undertaken by the CDP is the first of its kind in the State.

Working in collaboration with CENA Culturally Appropriate Homes, this project will deliver a county-wide assessment of Traveller accommodation needs and a strategy for addressing the needs of the Traveller Community in County Clare.

Training – Traveller Peer Researchers – 12 Travellers participated in this training both male (50%) & female (50%). The training ran over a 12-week period, one morning per week, the training covered the following:

• Introduction & Historical Analysis
• Culture & Traveller Accommodation
• Accommodation Linked Issues
• Extent & Nature of Need
• Current Policy Environment
• Principal of Change
• Clare Traveller Community
• Finalising the Audit
• Needs Assessment
• Practical Application
• Planning / Engagement
• Conclusions & Review
• Peer Based Evaluation

The Traveller Peer Researchers conducted surveys throughout County Clare, they collected data on 1200 individuals who have identified as Travellers. Fron the research, there are 312 families in total and there is 180 single people over the age of 18 who were also interviewed. The data collected will feed into the next Traveller Accommodation Programme for County Clare 2025-2030.

Weekly Drop-In Meetings
The CDP initiated a series of drop-in information mornings in collaboration with Clare County Council, HSE Mid-West, TULSA, LCETB & Clare SIFT (Traveller specific job coach service). These run every 3 weeks until the end of the year. Engagement is growing consistently since its inception. It helps the community to build relationships with other state agencies in relation to knowing their rights.

Youth Leadership Training
Youth Leadership Training is about bringing young Travellers together in an inclusive space where they can participate, develop and be empowered to be leaders of their generation. Two from our young women’s group participate in this training in Dublin regularly

Traveller Mediation Services Training
The Traveller Mediation Service delivered 6 weeks training, 1 day per week with the Traveller Men’s Group in County Clare. All participants received a certificate of completion, presented by the Superintendent from An Garda Siochana – Ennis Division

Safe Pass & Manual Handling Course
This training was completed in February 2024. 15 Young Traveller men participated in this programme. Each participant is now certified for 2yrs. As a direct result of this training two Traveller men have received apprenticeships.

Men’s Woodworking Course
Working in coloration with LCETB, in February, Clare Traveller CDP offered a woodwork course to our Traveller Men’s Group. Another course is planned for Autumn 2024.

Oral History Project
The CDP in collaboration with Cuimhneamh an Chlair are in the process of training Traveller women to record the oral history of the older generation in the Traveller Community in Co. Clare. A public event is planned in November to showcase the work that is being recorded.

Cookery Classes
Clare Traveller CDP Men’s Group participated in six cookery classes in June / July. Hugely successful, another cookery course is planned for Autumn 2024.

Active Citizenship/Voter Education,
The CDP held an information morning on the importance of Travellers voting & exercising their right to vote, how to register online, etc. The CDP staff assisted community members to complete online registrations.

Traveller Pride Event (24.05.2024)
This is an important event as it highlights the importance of Travellers being proud of their culture and identity in Irish society. This is our largest event of the year as it brings Travellers and non-Travellers together to break down the barriers of prejudice. This year the event was held at John O’Sullivan Park, Lee’s Rd, Ennis on 24th May 2024. The CDP worked in collaboration with Meath Travelers Workshop Ltd to showcase a traditional Barrel Top Wagon, tent and campfire with storytelling & a tinsmith display. See photos on our website / FB page.

Static & Retail Security Training
20 Traveller men completed this training course in July 2024. Final exam took place 2nd week of July. Good luck to all those who participated.

Upcoming Activities and Training Opportunities for Autumn 2024 include:
• Motoring to Success Program
• Truck & Bus Theory Test
• Welding Course
• Woodworking Classes
• Cookery Classes
• Pathways to Construction
• Swimming Instruction Course (Swim Ireland)
• Leadership through Literacy
• Understanding Community Development WORKSHOPS

CLARE Traveller CDP, our networks:
• Traveller Community Interagency Network
• ITM (AGM, Accommodation working group & education working group, Traveller Leadership
• Minceirs Whiden
• Pavee Point- Mental Health
• Limerick Travellers Network
• HSE Mental Health Network
• Local Community Development Committee (LCDC)
• Galway Traveller Movement
• Offaly Traveller Movement
• National Traveller MABS
• Traveller Mediation Service
• Clare Sports Partnership
• TULSA staff Ennis
• LCETB
• An Garda Siochana
• National Travellers Women Forum
• Involve
• Clare Probation Service
• Traveller Foster Care
• St Vincent de Paul
• Haven House
• Clare Local Development Company (CLDC)
• Shannon FRC
• Ennistymon FRC
• Kilrush FRC
• Clare County Council
• Primary Health Care Project
• HSE Mid-West
• Local Crisis Response Group for the Traveller Community in Clare
• Women’s Collective Ireland
• Clare Probation Service
• Limerick Travellers Network

For more information or comment, please contact:
Bridget Casey / 086 0478722

CLARE TRAVELLER CDP VISION STATEMENT

“Our aim is to improve living conditions, opportunities and achievement of human rights for Travellers in Clare. This will be pursued through establishing and strengthening local alliances and, most importantly, through building effective Traveller leadership and a strong Traveller voice”

Vision

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