Galway City Council has launched (Thursday 21 May 2026) a pioneering Feasibility Report on a Tenant Participation Pilot Project for Traveller-Specific Group Housing, at Bóithrín na Saoirse, Circular Road, Galway. The results of the pilot support the development of a practical, culturally responsive, and sustainable framework for tenant involvement - with the potential to benefit more than 90 families living in Traveller‑specific accommodation in Galway City.
The report examines the feasibility of piloting a structured tenant participation model within Traveller‑specific group housing at Bóithrín na Saoirse. It explores governance frameworks and mechanisms for tenant engagement and estate management, adopting a rights‑based approach and drawing on input from stakeholders, policy and best‑practice frameworks. The report will be of interest to local authority personnel, Traveller organisations, housing practitioners, policymakers, community workers and researchers.
The report was commissioned by Galway City Council and prepared by Professor Padraic Kenna, University of Galway, in conjunction with Cecilia Forrestal, Community Facilitator and former Human Rights Co‑Ordinator with the Community Action Network and contains contributions from Galway City Council, Offaly County Council and Birr Traveller and Settled Peoples Group, Cork City Council and CENA Approved Housing Body. The research was made possible by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage Dormant Accounts Fund.
Mayor of the City of Galway, Cllr Mike Cubbard, said, “This report represents an important step in strengthening tenant participation within Traveller accommodation. Meaningful engagement with tenants is essential to ensuring that Traveller voices are central to decisions that affect their homes and communities and to supporting sustainable, well‑managed housing estates.”
Professor Padraic Kenna, University of Galway, commented on the publication, “The feasibility study highlights the potential benefits of structured tenant participation within Traveller‑specific group housing. It demonstrates how collaborative approaches, grounded in human rights and good governance, can support positive outcomes for tenants and local authorities alike.”
Mr. Leonard Cleary, Chief Executive, Galway City Council added, “Galway City Council is committed to exploring innovative and participatory approaches to Traveller accommodation. This report provides a valuable evidence base to inform future policy and practice, both locally and nationally.”
Martin Whelan, CEO of The Housing Agency, welcomed the launch of the report, stating, “The Housing Agency is pleased to work with Galway City Council on this learning event, which provides an important opportunity for local authorities to share experiences and reflect on practical ways to strengthen tenant participation within Traveller accommodation services nationally.”
Following the launch, Galway City Council, in conjunction with the Housing Agency, hosted a half‑day learning event entitled, “Strengthening Tenant Participation within Traveller Accommodation: Shared Learnings for Local Authorities”. This learning event brought together local authority personnel from across the country to:
- Consider the key findings and recommendations of the feasibility report
- Share practical experiences of tenant participation initiatives
- Explore opportunities to strengthen participation frameworks within Traveller accommodation services
The event was facilitated by Cecilia Forrestal, Consultant and former Human Rights Coordinator with the Community Action Network.
Mr Salters Sterling, former Chair of the Birr Travellers and Settled Peoples Group, drew on over 30 years of experience in tenant engagement with Traveller families, outlining how this work evolved from addressing individual tenant concerns to supporting broader estate management approaches.
Deirdre O’Regan of Cork City Council also addressed attendees, sharing insights from a range of engagement initiatives delivered with Traveller families.
Galway City Council views this work as an important contribution to developing collaborative and participatory approaches to Traveller accommodation and to sharing learning across local authorities.
This initiative is delivered in partnership between the Traveller Accommodation Unit at Galway City Council and The Housing Agency with the aim of promoting more meaningful and structured engagement with Traveller tenants in Traveller-specific accommodation.