Interagency Traveller Strategy Group

Sligo County Development Board was requested by the Government in mid-2006 to initiate a process of developing a strategic plan to enhance inter-agency co-operation in the delivery of service and supports to the Traveller Community (Circular LG12/06). Consequently, an Inter-Agency Traveller Strategy Group (ITSG) was established by the County Development Board in July 2006 to develop an ‘Integrated Traveller Strategy’ for the County.

Left – Right: Enda Gilvarry, Gabriel Browne, Jonathon Maye, Bridie Conway, Henry Cox, Ann Donegan, Rita McNulty, Bernadette Maughan, John Kielty, Aisling Smyth, Geri Bruce

The Interagency Travellers Strategy (2007-2012) focuses on a series of integrated actions under the following thematic areas: Accommodation, Health, Education Training and Employment, Childcare and Youth.  The Interagency Travellers Strategy Group is convened by the Office of Community and Enterprise and chaired by the Director of Service, Community and Enterprise, Arts and the Environment.

Membership:

• Ann Donegan Sligo Northside CDP
• Bernadette C Maughan Sligo Traveller Support Group
• Bridie Conway Housing Officer, Sligo Borough Council
• Vacant Health Service Executive
• Enda Gilvarry Traveller Liaison Officer, Sligo County Council
• Francis Byrne FÁS
• Gabrielle McSharry Department of Education and Science
• Insp. Sean McGinty An Garda Síochána
• Mary Blowick Housing Officer, Sligo County Council
• John Kielty FÁS
• Jonathon May Sligo Leader Partnership Co.
• Mairead McLaughlin Senior Social Worker, Sligo County Council
• Martin Mongan Sligo Traveller Support Group
• Mary Brodie Sligo VEC
• Mary Phair Department of Social and Family Affairs
• Pamela Andison RAPID Coordinator
• Rita McNulty Director of Services, Community and Enterprise Office
• Sharon Boles Sligo County Childcare Committee
• Geri Bruce Sligo Leader Partnership Co.

Intercultural Youth Day with Garda representatives, Sligo Traveller Strategy Group and young attendees’.

Sligo County Development Board was requested by the Government in mid-2006 to initiate a process of developing a strategic plan to enhance inter-agency co-operation in the delivery of service and supports to the Traveller Community (Circular LG12/06).

The Remit of the Group is to:

• Improve the co-ordination of services locally, both Traveller Specific and mainstream services.
• Ensure cultural sensitivity and awareness as part of the plan
• Ensure consultation with travellers in relation to services
• Engagement of Travellers in identifying actions which lead to greater participation of Travellers in mainstream society.

The Actions outlined in the Interagency Travellers Strategy are funded mainly through the resources of the participating Agencies.  The group also benefited from Pobal funding under its fund for Interagency Projects in relation to the Traveller Community.  Round 1 of this fund secured €84,000 for a Family Visitation Service.  Round 2 secured €43,617 for a “Bridging Interagency Employment Programme” for the progression of a number of Primary Health Care Workers from the Traveller Community who graduated following 3 years of FETAC accredited training. The objective of this project was to form links and supports to the workplace following training.  The funding of €43,617 was conditional on member agencies of the Interagency Group raising the balance of €87,663.  This was achieved by contributions from HSE, DSFA, SLPCo along with Sligo Borough Council, who provided the accommodation for the project.

Download the Inter-Agency Traveller Strategy Group Strategic Plan 2007-2012 (PDF) - 285 kbs