Mayo Traveller families awaiting council response after human rights protest over living conditions

A response from Mayo County Council is awaited by families living on a site at Ernst Chain Road in Castlebar who staged a human rights protest outside Aras an Chontae, Castlebar - the HQ of Mayo County Council.

As well as seeking action to address their problems, they are seeking to raise awareness of the lack of progress from the council in addressing the inadequate living conditions on site.

The protesters carried banners reading: 'Traveller Accommodation Rights', '21 years - Mighty Long Time Without Water' and 'Mental Torture Waiting'.

Younger family members have reporting regular bouts of illness due to the the unhygienic portaloo toilet facilities.

The families are looking for basic human right services, including running water, electricity, flushable toilets, showers, and accommodation units.

They want an urgent a meeting with the council to set in place a strategy for works to be carried out without any further delays.

A spokesperson confirmed there has been no response since the protest was held yesterday.

The spokesperson added: "After 21 years we need these most basic services provided.

"Given the recent report by the Ombudsman for Children into the conditions that young Traveller children are facing, it is high time that local government took responsibility and work sincerely to allocate budget and resolve these unhealthy living conditions for the Travelling community."

Rhona McCord, community coordinator with Unite the Union, attended the protest in support of the families, and Joe Daly from Mayo United against Racism.

In a statement, Mayo United against Racism said: "Our members are supporting the Traveller families protesting against housing discrimination.

"They have been left in third world conditions on a site on Ernst Chain Road in Castlebar for over 21 years without clean running water and without proper toilet facilities.

"Mayo County Council has refused to take serious action for these families passing them from pillar to post.

"Councils consistently refuse to draw down funds for Travellers and some towns refuse to house Travellers at all.

"These people are human beings and are should be treated like human beings.

"We stand with them in their struggle."