THE local council has been asked to assist in identifying potential sites for both short-term and long-term ‘culturally appropriate’ accommodation for the Traveller Community.
Irish Travellers, a legally protected ethnic minority, are supported by the Housing Executive (HE) for their accommodation needs. While many Travellers prefer traditional housing, the HE also provides serviced sites for ‘mobile home’ type accommodations and two transit sites in Strabane and Derry for those wishing to remain nomadic. In a letter to the council’s strategic partnership board, Elma Newberry, director of the HE’s strategic housing authority, outlined plans for the future of Traveller accommodation in Northern Ireland. “The Irish Traveller Community is long established in Northern Ireland, and its history and traditions stretch back many years,” she wrote. “However, Irish Travellers are also among the most disadvantaged and marginalised people living in Northern Ireland.”
Ms Newberry emphasised the importance of providing culturally sensitive housing options.
“We want to work with our partners across all sectors to achieve this ambition and to ensure the provision of sustainable, suitable, culturally sensitive accommodation which addresses housing need and protects and promotes Irish Traveller cultural identity,” she said.
The Irish Traveller Accommodation Strategy 2021-2026 aims to foster a sustainable community and ensure access to affordable, good-quality housing. The HE is now seeking to identify potential sites in the local area for the development of culturally appropriate Traveller accommodation.
“Sites should be no less than one hectare, and we will consider and assess sites in all council areas,” Ms Newberry added.
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