Housing Association meets the needs of Travellers and the wider community

HOUSING ASSOCIATION MEETING THE NEEDS OF TRAVELLERS AND THE WIDER COMMUNITY

Respond!, Ireland’s largest housing association with estates in Athy, Leixlip and Celbridge, will implement the Traveller Accommodation and Support Policy they launched earlier this year by commencing work on their first integrated Traveller estate in the country. The housing association has designed 87 units that will contain a mixture of affordable, social and Traveller accommodation and the signing of contracts between Respond! and Athy Town Council takes place tomorrow, July 6th at 3pm in Athy Town Council offices.

Respond! has identified the provision of Traveller Accommodation as one of the organisation’s key priorities for the future and believes this is best delivered through the multi-disciplinary team model of working in co-operation with other agencies, as outlined by the High Level Group on Traveller issues. The organisation recognises that a shortfall exists in the area and is keen to work with local authorities to remedy the situation.

According to Pat Cogan, Managing Director of Respond!: “We are delighted that this project is now progressing forward and that we are delivering on our recently launched Traveller Accommodation and Support Policy. For too long the issue of Traveller Accommodation has been brushed aside and we are pleased to be working in partnership with such progressive local authorities.”

The new Respond! estate in Ardrew, Athy will contain 6 units of Traveller accommodation and these take into account Traveller culture and identity. Respond! will provide not only provide accommodation, but also support services to Travellers and their families. The housing association are in the unique position of possessing 25 years experience in housing and community development and are confident that they will deliver good quality, purpose designed accommodation and other services to the future residents of the estate.

Mr. Cogan added: “We strongly believe that all relevant agencies must work together to ensure the best delivery of any Traveller policy as this is itself will help to promote inclusion , anti-racism and integration. We are committed to this project in Athy and look forward to working in partnership with all local relevant agencies, as well as continuing our good working relationship with Athy Town Council and Kildare County Council.”

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