Irish Traveller nomadic life 'at risk' as Northern Ireland sites dwindle, group warns
NI Housing Executive consults on draft accommodation strategy; Deputy First Minister criticised over contacting police about roadside Travellers
The nomadic way of life for Irish Travellers in Northern Ireland is under threat, a community support group has said, as the number of dedicated halting sites has fallen sharply over the past two decades and conditions on remaining sites are condemned as inadequate. The Northern Ireland Housing Executive, which oversees Traveller accommodation, has published a draft five-year strategy and insists it is committed to preserving Traveller culture. However, the Craigavon Travellers Support Committee has accused Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly of calling the police on roadside families during the summer rather than finding them suitable accommodation.