THE TRADITIONAL Traveller culture of nomadism faces huge challenges because of a failure by local authorities and the Government to provide adequate facilities, a Travellers’ rights group has warned.
The Irish Traveller Movement said yesterday just two sites in Ireland support “nomadism”, a traditional way of life whereby members of the travelling community move from place to place rather than having a fixed residence.
Under the Housing (Traveller Accommodation) Act 1998 local authorities are obliged to provide a certain amount of Traveller specific accommodation, some of which must cater for “nomadism”. These sites should provide parking spaces for caravans and access to water and waste facilities. However, most local authority Traveller accommodation programmes make no reference to nomadic provision, says the lobby group.
“There are sites to support nomadism in Donegal and Westmeath. But these are currently being used to provide permanent housing to Travellers because of the urgent need for accommodation,” said Damien Peelo, director of the Irish Traveller Movement.
"We need a new impetus put on this by local authorities to ensure that there is less chance of conflict with the settled community when large numbers of Travellers move," said Mr Peelo, at the launch of a discussion document, Progressing the Provision of Accommodation to Facilitate Nomadism.
Nomadism is an important part of Traveller culture, often between May and October and coinciding with fairs and religious events taking place in Ireland. But the movement of large numbers of Travellers to areas without proper facilities can create serious tensions with settled communities.
The Irish Traveller Movement discussion document calls on local authorities to provide temporary sites with parking, water and waste facilities to cater for annual fairs and religious events, such as the Knock Novena.
Jack Keyes, manager of Cavan County Council, said local opposition and the maintenance of facilities were two important issues faced by councils. But he said there was an onus on local authorities to try to support the nomadic culture of Travellers.