Funding boost announced for Traveller health initiative in Waterford city

A project in Waterford city is one of five around the country which has been awarded funding under a Government-backed Traveller health initiative

The Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, Colm Burke, has announced details of the local projects that will share in a €710,000 Dormant Accounts fund to address the social determinants of Traveller health.

The funding supports the implementation of the National Traveller Health Action Plan, in particular goal 3 to address the social determinants of Traveller health through targeted and mainstream measures.

The five projects are aligned with the Slaintecare Healthy Communities programme, which is the mainstream government initiative to address the social determinants of health in disadvantaged areas. Proposals were submitted by Local Development Officers in each local authority, including Waterford City and County Council..  

The successful project in Waterford city will see the delivery of an independent Place Standard Framework assessment of each of the five halting sites in the city.

It will also see the establishment of a Traveller Voice Forum to ensure the views and concerns of the Traveller community are expressed and the delivery of behaviour change programmes on topics including smoking, substance misuse and healthy eating.

The other four projects are located in Cork city; Bray, County Wicklow; Athy, County Kildare and County Westmeath.  

The five projects were chosen following an open and transparent selection process administered by the Genio Trust, in collaboration with local authorities, the Health Service Executive (HSE) and members of the Traveller community.

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Commenting, Mr Burke said: “As Minister of State in the Department of Health, I am delighted that this new funding contributes to the implementation of our National Traveller Health Action Plan. It also complements the Slaintecare Healthy Communities programme which targets the most disadvantaged areas across the country.

“It is imperative that we address the social determinants of health for the Traveller community, if we are to reduce health inequalities and improve population health. We know that Travellers experience economic and social disadvantages that contribute to their poor health status. The projects being funded are targeted and culturally appropriate interventions that address the specific factors that impact on Traveller health.

“The projects were developed in partnership between the local authorities and Traveller organisations. I’m very encouraged by the quality and creativity of proposals received for this funding, and I look forward to hearing the impact that they will make to the health of Travellers.”

Triona O'Connor, National Programme Manager at Genio, added: “It is very evident from the quality of the applications, that meaningful consultations took place between the local authorities, Traveller organisations and the HSE in Slaintecare Healthy Community areas. We welcome the collaborative approach from Local Authorities, Travellers, the Department of Health and the HSE and look forward to working together over the next two years.”

Each of the five projects will receive up to €142,000 funding over two years.