The Travellers North Cork (TNC) group held a protest outside Annabella House in Mallow on Wednesday to raise awareness of the housing crisis impacting on both travellers and the wider community.

The group sang songs during a peaceful protest and displayed their dissatisfaction towards the current housing crisis by presenting Pat O’Connor of Cork County Council with 40 signed complaint forms.

TNC vice chairperson Margarita O’Driscoll, dressed as Santa Claus, explained that homelessness was a huge issue in the traveller community and the protest was to raise awareness of the problem.

“There is no point shouting and roaring about the issue. This is a peaceful protest to raise awareness of the situation. This has been an issue with traveller families for a long time but now it’s a concern for the wider community,” added Ms O’Driscoll.