Preferred Accommodation Size Several of the TAP Survey respondents
This view is supported by the respondents’ comments where overcrowding is repeatedly noted as an issue with the current accommodation, especially in Halting Sites. In the TAP Survey the average Halting Site and mixed Halting Site/Group Housing Scheme reported c. 3 – 4 families per household in comparison to c. 1 family per household in standard housing and Group Housing Schemes. Therefore, this household size is considered not to be representative of the optimal household size, but a factor of overcrowding and housing need. This interpretation is borne out by the fact that the majority (59%) of respondents stated they would require 2 (30%) or 3 (29%) bedrooms in any future accommodation, with only 18% stating a preference for 4 bedrooms and 8% specifying 1 bedroom.
commented that Traveller families are in general getting smaller. This view is supported by the 2022 Census data indicating a national average Traveller household size of 4 persons per household, reduced from a figure of 5.3 in the 2016 Census. Within Cork City the average Traveller household size is smaller again at 3.78. While this is still significantly higher than the national average for the total Irish population of 2.74 persons per household, and the Cork City total population average of 2.62 persons per household, it reflects a reduction in household size which must be reflected in future Traveller accommodation provision. The average household size of the TAP Survey respondents, however, was 5.1 persons per household, with households ranging from 1 – 15 persons. Since the TAP Survey focused on the Target Population, a subset of the Traveller population identified specifically as households most likely to have a housing need, it is assumed that overcrowding and involuntary multi- generational occupancy of the same home has resulted in this higher than average household size figure.
Figure 12 Number of Bedrooms Required by Respondents Classified by Current Accommodation Type
32
Cork City Council | Traveller Accommodation Programme 2025-2029
Powered by FlippingBook