One of the prominent findings from the Clare Traveller Health Needs Assessment carried out by Pavee Point in 2019, was the lack of Traveller infrastructure in Clare. This was acknowledged by both Travellers and service providers alike. In terms of the challenges, service providers noted that, in the absence of a Traveller project, it was difficult to engage with Travellers and to meet their specific needs.

Established in 2021 as one of the pilot projects funded by the Community Development Programme, Clare Traveller Community Development Project is a collaborative project, currently hosted by Clare LDC,  with the ambition is the creation of an independent community development project. Clare Traveller CDP is also supported by led Clare Public Participation Network, Clare Women’s Network and HSE Mid-West Traveller Health Unit, and supported by a wide range of additional organisations locally and nationally. 

Using community development approaches, the work of Clare CDP includes:

• Establishing an independent Traveller–led Community Development Project
• Identifying and providing a variety of community development supports to the wider Traveller community
• Supporting opportunities for Travellers in education, training, employment and enterprise
• Promoting and encouraging Traveller participation and leadership in decision making bodies
• Working closely with local, regional and national organisations to improve the quality of life for Travellers in Clare
• Advocating for Traveller human, economic, cultural and social rights and opportunities.