The local authorities – in Mayo, Tipperary, Donegal, Wicklow, Dublin, Cork and Limerick – were chosen to reflect urban, rural and geographical spread. Photograph: The Irish TimesThe seven reports examine the efforts, or lack of, by individual local authorities to provide Traveller accommodation and meet their statutory obligation to promote equality as public service bodies.
The Mayo action plan contained “no clear evidence of consideration” of its PSEHRD, IHREC found. It “does not clearly indicate or identify the equality and human rights issues that are, or may be, experienced by Travellers ... particularly Traveller accommodation”. In contrast, the South Dublin County Council and Cork City Council plans are commended in parts. Despite concerns about the functionality of the caravan loan scheme in South Dublin – described as “regrettable in circumstances where there appears to be an urgent need for good quality caravans” – and the “slow delivery of new Traveller specific accommodation”, the council has “creative initiatives that seek to promote Traveller culture and inclusivity”.