Pavee Point’s Co-Director, Martin Collins gave a broad welcome to the official launch of CENA – the first Traveller led approved Housing Body, at this week’s AGM of the Irish Traveller Movement.
Minister of State at the Environment Department, Paudie Coffey TD announced at the AGM that €2 million would be allocated to two CENA pilot projects in 2016 and 2017. Cena – developed by ITM – is a Traveller led association that will design and deliver a range of culturally appropriate Traveller accommodation.
“This is an innovating and pioneering project,” said Martin Collins. “It is not the solution to the Traveller accommodation crisis but part of the solution.”
Pavee Point representatives also succeeded in highlighting the refugee issue by proposing a motion that the ITM would call on the Irish State to welcome refugees and to put in place the necessary measures to facilitate their inclusion and integration into Irish society.
“This involves not accommodating refugees in direct provision centres – which have been criticised by international human rights monitoring bodies and organisations,” said Martin Collins.
Photo: Martin Collins, Co-Director, Pavee Point Traveller and Roma Centre.