Revealed: Travellers make up 15% of Carlow's live applications on the social housing list
The figures was confirmed at this month's full meeting of Carlow County Council
Travellers make up 15% of Carlow's live applications on the social housing list, Carlow County Council confirmed at this month's full meeting of the local authority.
Members were discussing Travellers in Carlow and the Traveller Accommodation Programme 2019-2024.
A debate erupted when Cllr Ken Murnane proposed an amendment to the programme which would remove the line: "Carlow County Council will endeavour to meet [social housing needs] over the period of the programme.
"The policy of offering one in ten vacancies to Traveller families will continue where appropriate."
Cllr Murnane said the provision for "one in ten" was "preferential treatment" towards Travellers and "no group should get preferential treatment".
There are 1,300 people on the social housing list and 15% of those are Travellers or around 200 people, the Council's executive said at the meeting on Monday.
Cllr Adrienne Wallace claimed that she had "noticed negative attitudes towards Travellers".
However, Director of Services, Michael Brennan, said the "housing authority does not discriminate against anybody".
"I believe in equality," he added.