A STUDY on the link between Traveller accommodation and health has found poor accommodation directly results in depression, anxiety, diabetes and kidney problems.
The report recommended that mainstream electricity be provided on all Traveller accommodation sites and sites should not be developed close to any waste management or former landfill facility.
Travellers Health Matters, a Retrospective Health Impact Assessment of Low-grade Traveller Accommodationwas commissioned by the Galway Traveller Movement and was conducted from 2007 to 2009.
It examined life and health on an accommodation site at Carrowbrowne in Galway. Although the site has since been closed, the reports authors, TSA Consultancy, said it was typical of many sites across the country.
Among the everyday problems raised by residents of the site was the lack of electricity.
This led to problems with lighting and heating their accommodation as well as difficulties keeping food fresh due a lack of refrigeration. This led to contamination and food poisoning.
Dampness and mould was also a problem and the poor conditions led to anxiety and depression for residents.
Inadequate sanitation and water supply led to kidney problems arising from a reluctance to use outdoor toilet facilities at night.
This also led to a delay in toilet training in children, a spread of infections through lack of hand-washing and low self-esteem and depression because of the lack of showers or warm water, the report found.
The presence of rats on the site caused fear and stress, contributing to an overall poor sense of wellbeing. The rats also deterred the use of outdoor toilets at night.
Those surveyed in the study were found to have higher incidence of diabetes, angina, heart attack and other heart conditions.
The report made recommendations for the improvement of the quality of Traveller accommodation sites. It also called for regular inspections of temporary sites by environmental health officers.
The report will be launched this morning by Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs Eamon Ó Cuív.
