08.3 Housing size and Form In recognition of the decreasing Traveller family sizes, it is considered that 2 and 3 bedroom accommodation is the most appropriate and preferred housing size for Traveller families (required by 59% of respondents), with appropriate provision also being made for 1 and 4 bedroom units (ref Section 4.4).
In Traveller Housing clusters it is recommended that a mix of housing sizes is provided to allow flexibility for family members to upsize and downsize across different family stages (ref Section 4.4).
Many respondents stated they would only consider a single-storey dwelling due to safety concerns for their children or mobility issues. Notwithstanding this 22% of all respondents currently live in two-storey dwellings, so this concern is not uniform. Single-storey developments exclusively would no longer comply with recent national Guidelines on density requirements 28 . Therefore, Traveller accommodation should incorporate a mix of house typologies including one and two storeys, with duplex apartments offering scope for multi-family occupancy.
Notwithstanding the house typology, a uniform Traveller requirement exists for a side entrance and drive to cater for a tourer to reflect their cultural preference, with enclosed garden area for children to play in.
08.4 Targets Flexible Responses – having regard to the impact of Covid 19 on the delivery schedule of the TAP 2019-2024, the importance of flexibility in the programme is highlighted to address unforeseen changes or challenges, such as demographic shifts or funding adjustments. 08.5 Locational Factors In addition to pipeline proposals itemised in Section 2, Local Authority Traveller standard housing provision will be distributed across the city. However, in line with the locational preferences expressed in the TAP Survey, Blarney, Ballincollig, Ballyvolane and Glanmire are all earmarked for significant population growth in the 2022 Cork City Development Plan. There may be opportunities to integrate new standard Council Housing for Travellers and small Traveller Group Housing Schemes as these areas develop. 08.6 Consultation and Support Many Traveller concerns about standard housing may be a factor of inexperience having lived in a bungalow or caravan all their lives. Traveller supports and pre-tenancy courses should be put in place to address this. Travellers moving from halting sites into standard Local Authority housing may encounter a number of issues. The role of the Traveller Liaison Officer is critical in supporting this transition and ongoing supports as necessary. The Traveller population in Cork City is in transition. As the TAP Survey indicated there is a significant desire to move into standard housing away from halting sites. The Traveller Accommodation Unit will consult closely with the Traveller community and other stakeholders to ensure that this transition has successful outcomes for all concerned.
28 Sustainable Residential Development and Compact Settlements - Guidelines for Planning Authorities 2024.
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