HSE Social Inclusion Launches Regional Traveller Health Action Plan – Working together to improve the Health Experiences and Outcomes for Travellers

Community Healthcare Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim, Monaghan, Sligo

The Official Launch of the Regional Traveller Health Action Plan took place in An Clochar, Ballyshannon, Co. Donegal today.

Over 40 attendees from the HSE and Traveller Organisations attended the HSE Social Inclusion Community Healthcare Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim, Monaghan, Sligo (CH CDLMS) launch of the plan.

The Regional Plan is integrally linked to the National Traveller Health Action Plan, which was launched in December 2023.  The Plan aims to improve the Health Experiences and Health Outcomes for Travellers in the Region. 

The development of this Regional five year implementation plan could not have been possible without the support, guidance and drive of, the Traveller Organisations, Primary Health Care Projects, HSE Professionals and Practitioners across a range of statutory agencies who participated meaningfully in the Consultation Process.

Speakers on the day included Patricia Garland, Social Inclusion Manager, CH CDLMS, Chrissie O'Sullivan, Cavan Traveller Movement, Margaret Joyce, Community Development and Health Worker, and Siobhan McLaughlin, Manager of Donegal Travellers Project. They addressed the audience around the development of the Regional Traveller Health Action Plan and how it has the potential to make a significant impact on Traveller Health in this Region.

Patricia Garland, Social Inclusion Manager, CH CDLMS said, “The actions in this plan are ambitious but it shows a real desire for meaningful change, inclusive collaboration and cross agency approaches to achieve better health outcomes for members of the Traveller Community in this Region.”

Cara ONeill, Acting Chief Officer, CH CDLMS said, “I am delighted to officially launch the Regional Traveller Health Action Plan 2022-27 for Community Healthcare Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim, Monaghan, Sligo.  The HSE is fully committed to continuing to engage with the Traveller Health Unit to support the implementation of this plan.  I would like to thank everyone who participated in the development of this plan. Its success lies in continuing to build a solid foundation where all stakeholders work together to deliver on the goals within.  We look forward to working with Traveller Organisations and all key stakeholders in the next 5 years and beyond.”