Council engaged closely with relevant parties in finalising the format of the survey questionnaire.
themes explored in these workshops included what kind of environment they would like to grow up in or live in the future and what aspects of their home environment were important. A summary of the TAU’s findings from these sessions is included as Appendix E. Survey Process The TAU made follow-up appointments with the 158 families initially contacted who expressed an interest in partaking in the survey. This resulted in a total of 104 surveys being undertaken, a response rate of 66%. The TAU undertook the survey, taking the time to go through the questionnaire with each individual respondent. This ensured the accuracy of the completed questionnaires as respondents received clarification on any part of the survey
The design of the questionnaire was carefully considered to ensure clarity for all participants. Visuals were used throughout, to assist in maximising accessibility (ref Appendix D – TAP Survey Questionnaire). The final survey consisted of ten sections covering a wide range of themes and issues that relate to the provision of Traveller accommodation. These reflected the requirements of the Act. Stakeholder Engagement The TVG building, along with other community locations across Cork City, were used as venues for conducting the survey. In total, ten separate site visits were undertaken by the Traveller Accommodation Unit to facilitate the completion of the survey. For the TAP Survey, in order to capture an accurate representation of the needs and preferences of the Traveller community in Cork City, the TAU (Traveller Accommodation Unit) identified Traveller families who had been in contact with the Council regarding accommodation who they considered may have an accommodation need themselves or within their household. The accommodation needs of those families already housed in Local Authority housing were considered to have been met and they were not included in the TAP Survey. The 158 selected families 12 were contacted, with letters issued to 153 Traveller households across a range of accommodation types to inform them of the survey. This included households residing in standard accommodation such as those provided through AHBs or through HAP, halting sites, Traveller Group Housing Schemes, but also adult children of Travellers living in Local Authority housing. A further 5 households residing in homeless services were also surveyed
where needed, as well as ensuring that respondents with literacy issues were not excluded from the consultation process.
These in-depth surveys undertaken by the TAU have resulted in the collection of an extensive body or quantitative and qualitative ‘soft’ information in relation to the distinct needs of the Traveller community of Cork City. Residents of Spring Lane Separately, Cork City Council has been engaged in an intensive family-specific consultation process with Spring Lane residents over the last two years. A Stakeholder Engagement Specialist has been engaged to work directly with the Travellers of Spring Lane to identify their specific accommodation needs and to deliver collaborative solutions for a site-specific development plan for Spring Lane and Ellis Yard. With plans already at an advanced stage to address the accommodation needs of many of the residents, only those residents of Spring Lane who
A series of art workshops were also held by the TAU with approximately 20 Traveller Children. The
12 Identified by the TAU as potentially having an accommodation need.
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Cork City Council | Traveller Accommodation Programme 2025-2029
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