Traveller numbers increase by 32%

The number of Travellers in Ireland increased by 32% between 2006 and 2011 — but only 12% live in caravans or mobile homes.

There are 29,573 Travellers, up from 22,435 in 2006, with numbers increasing in every county except Waterford, which recorded a 7% decrease.

The biggest percentage increase was recorded in Cavan, where Traveller numbers rose by 114%, and Donegal, where numbers climbed by 99%.

Longford was the county with the highest number of Travellers per head of population, with 19.1 for every 1,000 people.

There were 5,935 Travellers in Dublin, the largest number in any county.

Of these, 37% were in South Dublin. Only 7% were in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown.

Galway recorded the highest increase in Traveller numbers in any county. An increase of 478 was recorded in Galway City while 555 more Travellers were counted in Co Galway.