The Housing Executive

Our research indicates that most Travellers want to live in ‘settled’ accommodation, either in existing social housing estates or in ‘group housing’ schemes which cater for Travellers’ desire to live together in extended family groups.

As a result we have developed a programme of Traveller specific schemes to cater for this need. These schemes are delivered by housing associations.

Group housing is a relatively recent development. The provision of new group housing schemes in Northern Ireland is the responsibility of housing associations who have developed schemes at:

One group housing scheme was transferred from district councils in December 2003 and remains in Housing Executive ownership at:

A number of Travellers have also indicated a desire to live on serviced sites, which provide facilities for Travellers residing in static ‘mobile home’ type accommodation.

There are currently 5 occupied serviced sites in Northern Ireland and we are in the process of upgrading these. Serviced Traveller sites are currently available in the following areas:

Some Travellers wish to remain nomadic, and their needs are provided for through ‘transit sites’.

Our Traveller Unit is based at the Housing Centre in Belfast. The Traveller Unit works closely with a wide range of statutory agencies, housing associations, Traveller support groups and members of the Traveller community in order to progress the programme of Traveller specific accommodation.