Case Study: A Traveller Family’s Story

In Co. Mayo, a Traveller family of 11 people living on the side of the road has been moved on numerous occasions. The family is from the area and their children attend local schools.

We want to settle here, near where our other children are buried and near our own family. We want to be able to get our children’s health seen to when they need it. We need a home that is safe and clean where the children stop getting sick.

One school going child added:

I will crack up if I have to move again. I want to be able to do my exams so that I can get a job.

The health of some members of the family has been adversely affected as a direct result of their living conditions. These illnesses go untreated because of having to move so frequently. The family also added that they want their children to have consistency in school, and said:

We need a change to stay in one place where we can have regular access to the health and education services especially in relation to our children who are sick. We can’t keep running any more.

In July 2002, the Government criminalised trespass on public and private land, at a time when over 1,000 Traveller families were camped on public land due to the lack of provision of accommodation. Gardaí can direct families to move on without need for formal documentation such as a court order or summons. If families do not move immediately they may be arrested and their homes impounded. Difficulties for Families are often further compounded if they are moved outside of the local authority area as they will automatically lose their place on a housing list and have to start again from the beginning which has a disproportionately negative effect on families.

There are steps that the Government can take to provide appropriate accommodation for Traveller families and improve Traveller child health.