Measures to Improve Energy Efficiency and Ensure a Low Carbon Future for Irish Traveller, Direct Provision and Displaced Communities Living in Mobile Homes

Irish Travellers, especially those residing in mobile dwellings, experience significantly higher rates of energy poverty compared to the general Irish population. Although there has been a substantial increase in energy efficiency upgrades within the national housing stock, this trend has not extended to mobile dwellings. A similar pattern is observed with emergency mobile accommodation used by asylum seekers and displaced individuals.

Several factors contribute to this issue:

- Space limitations

- Lack of awareness and supporting structures

- Inaccessibility to current home upgrade funding schemes

These challenges have prevented energy efficiency measures from being applied to mobile homes, resulting in higher electricity consumption and increased reliance on fossil fuels.

Currently, Travellers living in mobile homes are not included in any existing low or no carbon just transition schemes by the Irish Government. As a result, there is no mechanism to ensure this community can access affordable, greener energy and more energy-efficient dwellings.