Lack Of Urgency By Local Authorities Has Led To Members Of Traveller Community Living In Substandard Accommodation

Pavee Point made the statement after it emerged that up to 60 people at a halting site in Ballyvolane have contracted Covid-19.

The City Council and Traveller support groups have offered people living at the site food and essentials to allow them to self isolate... 

City Hall have also offered emergency housing to anyone at the site who wishes to self isolate, however it's reported many families do not want to leave the site. 

Cork City Council have responded to the criticism of their handling of the outbreak and in a statement issued to RedFM News say they have been working with the HSE and voluntary organisations to ensure residents have the necessary supports to self isolate

Speaking to RedFM News, Martin Collins from Pavee Point says there have been outbreaks of Covid at halting sites across the country and is calling for services at the sites to be improved as a matter of urgency : 

"These lack of services are conducive to people contracting and spreading COVID-19, and as a result people's lives are on the line. Many Travellers have got sick, and many Travellers unfortunately have passed away. So I would urge all 31 local authorities, and indeed, the Department of Environment, Housing and Planning to put pressure on local authorities to draw down the necessary funds to put in place, some of these essential services to help people live a dignified and safe life."