Traveller-led housing in Galway shows other counties the way forward

Co-launched by CENA and Galway City Council

The official launch of five new Traveller homes – in an area now called Bóithrín na Saoirse – is the result of a new collaborative approach to delivering Traveller-specific accommodation, one that places Traveller voices at the heart of the process.

The development was led by CENA Approved Housing Body with support throughout from Galway City Council. The name Cena is the Cant word for home.

Speaking at the official launch, Traveller and local resident John Ward said, “Our life has changed completely and this is the way forward for Travellers, places like this.”

The launch was performed by Éamon Ó Cuív, former communities minister and former deputy chair of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Key Issues affecting the Traveller Community, and by Cllr. Alan Cheevers, Galway City’s Deputy Mayor.

Cllr. Cheevers said he was “delighted to see the opening of this new development, which is the first of its kind in Galway City.” He said, “These new homes represent not just bricks and mortar, but stability, respect, and opportunity for families to thrive.”

Mr. Ó Cuív said he was also “delighted” the project had come to fruition. He said, “When CENA set up, I really thought it was a good idea. Obviously they need the funding and the support of the statutory agencies and the advice and the sites and all the rest, but it does give a buy-in that is key to how we should go forward.”

“I look forward to other local authorities following what Galway has done here in working with CENA to get everything into place to provide more housing,” he added.

Brian Dillon, CEO of CENA Approved Housing Body, said, “The homes here, and especially the process involved in their development, provide a pointer to future provision of sustainable Traveller accommodation that recognises identity and distinct culture.”

The homes were already occupied by families although not all attended the launch.

Lavish praise for Galway City Council is still not something you easily find among Travellers in Galway and the word “Rahoonery” – where the new homes were built – comes from “the suburb of Rahoon in Galway where residents expelled Travellers from their camp by force in 1969”.

Nonetheless, as Mr. Ó Cuív, seen as a strong supporter of the Traveller community and of the Traveller housing body CENA, said, “The opening today is a seminal moment”.

It was indeed remarkable to see the buildings completed and occupied and was a proud moment for all involved, particularly the residents, CENA and Galway City Council, but also Desiun Architects and Pat Loftus Construction.