The Irish Times view on Traveller child rights: Shocking failures Local authority’s approach characterised as passive, careless and discriminatory Thu, May 27, 2021, 00:03 The 10-bay Spring Lane site in Cork city is home to 38 families, including 66 children. Photograph: Michael Mac Sweeney/Provision
The Ombudsman for Children’s description of the appalling conditions at a local authority halting site in Cork city makes for shocking reading. The 10-bay Spring Lane site, which is not identified by name in the report of the ombudsman’s investigation into it, is home to 38 families, including 66 children. About 140 people share toilets and washing facilities designed for 40. Their environment is scarcely habitable; among the issues identified there are rodent infestation, poor sanitation, extreme overcrowding, unsafe access, illegal dumping, damp living areas, inadequate waste disposal, shoddy heating systems and unsafe electrical works. Children living there have a high rate of illness, including respiratory problems, and a lack of safe areas to play.