Request for Tenders: Research into the Needs of the Traveller Community in County Carlow

1. Introduction

Carlow County Development Partnership CLG (CCDP), established in 2009, is responsible for managing and delivering various economic and social development programmes for communities, enterprises, and individuals in Carlow Town and County. This research is being funded under the Dormant Accounts Fund 2025, in collaboration with Carlow County Council.

Context and Background

The Traveller community in Ireland comprises approximately 0.7% of the population (Census 2022) and represents the country's largest indigenous ethnic minority. Despite constitutional recognition and legislative protections, the Traveller community continues to face persistent challenges across multiple domains of life, including education, employment, health, accommodation, and social inclusion. Research consistently demonstrates that Travellers experience systemic discrimination, cultural marginalisation, and disproportionately poor outcomes across key indicators of wellbeing.

National data reveals stark disparities: Traveller life expectancy is 15.1 years lower for men and 11.5 years lower for women compared to the general population. Educational attainment remains significantly below national averages, with only 13% of Travellers completing second-level education compared to 90% of the general population. Unemployment rates amongst Travellers are approximately 80%, and overcrowded and inadequate accommodation affects a substantial proportion of Traveller families.

Local Context: Carlow

County Carlow is home to an estimated 350-400 members of the Traveller community, representing approximately 0.6% of the county's population. The community is distributed across both urban areas in Carlow town and rural locations throughout the county, with several established Traveller-specific accommodation sites and a significant number of families living in mainstream housing.

In recent years, Carlow has experienced a deeply concerning rise in deaths by suicide across all communities, which has had a profound and disproportionate impact on the Traveller community. Mental health challenges within the Traveller community are compounded by factors including social isolation, discrimination, bereavement, trauma, and limited access to culturally appropriate mental health services. The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated existing inequalities and mental health challenges.

Local service providers have identified significant gaps in understanding the specific needs, experiences, and aspirations of Travellers in Carlow. There is a recognised need for evidence-based research to inform more effective, culturally responsive service delivery and policy development.

Carlow County Development Partnership and Carlow County Council are committed to advancing equality and improving outcomes for Travellers through informed, evidence-based action. This research is being commissioned to provide a comprehensive assessment of the needs, priorities, and barriers faced by the Traveller community in Carlow and to inform more effective and inclusive service provision and policy responses, with particular attention to mental health, wellbeing, and suicide prevention.

2. Research Assignment

The researcher (or research team) selected for this assignment will be tasked with conducting comprehensive primary research with members of the Traveller community in County Carlow, alongside relevant stakeholders and service providers.

Overall Research Aim:

This research aims to develop a comprehensive, evidence-based understanding of the lived experiences, needs, and aspirations of the Traveller community in County Carlow, with particular focus on mental health and wellbeing challenges. The study seeks to identify systemic barriers to inclusion and equality, examine the cultural appropriateness and effectiveness of existing services, and generate actionable recommendations that will inform culturally responsive policy and practice improvements to enhance outcomes and opportunities for Travellers across all life domains.

Primary Research Objectives:

• To identify and analyse the key needs, challenges, barriers, and aspirations of the Traveller community in Carlow across multiple life domains
• To assess the accessibility, cultural appropriateness, relevance, and effectiveness of existing services and supports, particularly in the areas of mental health, wellbeing, and suicide prevention
• To identify critical gaps in services and opportunities for improvement and development
• To examine experiences of discrimination, racism, and social exclusion, and their impact on community wellbeing
• To explore protective factors and community strengths that support resilience and positive outcomes
• To develop practical, evidence-based, and strategic recommendations to improve inclusion, equity, and outcomes for the Traveller community in Carlow

Secondary Research Objectives:

• To analyse relevant national and local data on Traveller socio-economic and health indicators
• To review existing research, policy frameworks, and best practice models relevant to Traveller inclusion
• To map current service provision and identify coordination opportunities

The research must adopt a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative analysis with qualitative inquiry to provide a comprehensive understanding of Traveller experiences in Carlow. It is expected to include:

• Quantitative analysis of local and national data on Travellers' socio-economic, health, education, and accommodation indicators
• Qualitative research through in-depth interviews, focus groups, and community consultations with Travellers across different age groups and family structures
• Stakeholder engagement with service providers, statutory agencies, and community organisations
• Case studies of relevant local initiatives, programmes, or interventions
• Participatory research elements that meaningfully involve Traveller voices in shaping research questions, data collection, analysis, and recommendations
• Community validation processes including stakeholder workshops to verify findings and promote shared learning and action planning
• Literature review of relevant national and international research and policy frameworks

All research will be conducted in accordance with rigorous ethical standards and best practice guidelines for research with marginalised communities.

Please see tender document attached below.

Application Process and Requirements

Interested parties should submit their complete tender response and competency statement to:
Annette Fox, Chief Executive Officer
Email: afox@carlowdevelopment.ie

Deadline: No later than 5pm on Thursday, 4th September 2025

Important Notes:

• Late submissions will not be considered
• Tenders exceeding €20,000 (excluding VAT) will not be considered
• Completion dates after 30th January 2026 will not be considered
• Proof of tax compliance will be required as part of the application
• Electronic submissions only - no hard copies required

Queries:

Queries regarding this research tender will be accepted up to 5pm on Friday, 29th August 2025. All queries should be submitted in writing to afox@carlowdevelopment.ie.

Responses to substantive queries will be circulated to all potential tenderers to ensure fairness and transparency.