The Traveller community in Kerry is a culture to be celebrated, not a problem to be solved the 2026 Traveller Pride event at the MTU in Tralee has been told.
The event also saw the launch of a 10 year strategic plan by Kerry Traveller Health and Community Development project.
Speaking at the launch Dr Brigid Quilligan, CEO of Kerry Traveller Health and Community Development Project said the event was about honouring Traveller ancestry but also about building for the future.
She said that the Traveller community want their young people to be healthier, more educated, financially secure and be able to realise their dreams.
Strong links have been built with the MTU through Access programmes and in the employment of members of the Traveller community.
Social media influencer, Traveller and LGBT activist Shane McCarthy told those present to follow their dreams and appealed to the wider community to never paint any group in society all with the one brush.
Christina O Brien said that the issues facing the Traveller community had changed over the last 10 years and now include mental health, addiction, the need for support for young people and digital exclusion.
Priorities identified in the plan include programmes that improve health, provide family support, increase education opportunities, create pathways to employment and raise the collective voice of Travellers.
