This article is from page 67 of the 2008-10-28 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 67 JPG
MEMBERS of the Traveller com- munity voiced their opinions on the issue of accommodation at a meeting with local politicians last week.
The meeting, facilitated by the Ennis Community Development Project, involved discussions be- tween members of the Accommoda- tion Implementation Group (AIG), the Mayor of Ennis Cllr Peter Con- sidine (FF) and Fine Gael TD, Joe OFA
The group was represented by Anne Marie Mongans, Kathleen Mc- Donagh, John McDonagh and Frank McDonagh. The primary focus of the discussion centered on issues re- lating to Travellers accommodation btm Oot: buse
Other topics raised included the
Shannon Horse Project, the closure of the Quin Road halting site and Clare County Council’s Traveller Accommodation Plan 2009-2013.
The aim of the meeting was to create a forum that would allow for wider discussion between Travellers and policy makers.
It is also the first in a planned se- ries of steps aimed at providing a structured format for Travellers rep- resentatives to raise issues and in- terface with the local authority and other agencies.
Adrian Healy, Development worker with Ennis CDP said there had been a lot of positive outcomes from the meeting, which took place in the of- fices of the Ennis CDP last Monday. He also thanked Cllr Considine and Deputy Carey for their involvement.
“The meeting was great. It was
very positive. It was great that Joe and Peter were able to come. They listened and gave advice. There was a very positive exchange of views and that was very helpful.”
Adrian added, “The whole point was to provide an opportunity for the group to be heard and for their voices to be listened to. Their voices were heard. Its not often that you get an opportunity as a group to sit down members of the council and the Dail, so in that sense, it was very beneficial to both sides. The lads got the chance to voice their opinions and they were considered and there was a good bit of consultation between both parties. Again, it was great to have Joe and Peter’s input at the meeting. They were there in a listening capacity but they also were also very helpful giv- ing advice.”
The Accommodation Implemen- tation Group was formed under the umbrella of the Traveller Strategy. The strategy, with input from Clare County Council and the Ennis CDP, is aimed at co-ordinating public services for Travellers. The group represents Travellers mainly on ac- commodation, but also advocates on other issues.
“What we are trying to do is to en- hance relations on the ground and develop communications. We want to strengthen links between commu- nities. That’s the big picture,” added Adrian.