Traveller's voice
Interview with Bridgie O'Reilly.
Bridget, her husband and their 10 children have being living at Ballintra halting site for over two years now. She spoke out about living without basic services such as electricity and a flush toilet.
What are things like living on site?
Well, it's not so good. The only things we have at the moment are two portaloo cabins and running water. We have no electricity; we have to use our own. We can't use an automatic washing machine on the generator so I have to wash all the clothes by hand in an old twin tub. Believe me, it's no fun standing out when it's freezing cold and then trying to find a place to dry clothes.
How do you keep the generator going?
With petrol and it costs me €80 a week to keep it running.
Are there any other problems with the site?
Well, we have a problem with rats. As you can see for yourself, we clean up the site and keep it swept. Even at that, when you look outside the door at nighttime, you'll see them running in under cars. At night when you go to use the portaloo you're afraid and the young ones have to take the lamp with them. It's a constant worry because rats cause diseases. Another problem is that the portaloos sometimes blow over when it's windy which makes a mess…We've been promised outside flush toilets in the New Year so we'll just have to wait and see.
How many locals have visited you since you moved here?
None, the only one's that ever come are Anne, Clare, Sioban or Hugh (from the South Donegal Travellers Project).
What do you think of reactions from local people to you being here?
Well, I think reactions have changed since we first came here. I think in the last while, people have got nicer towards us as they've gotten to know us a bit better. They know we're not thieves or whatever. Even at school now, the teachers have got nicer towards the children.
Have any of the family experienced health problems from living on a site without proper facilities?
We have yes. This one here (Nicole) suffers from asthma and she now gets chest infections very often. She's all the time out in the rain and the cold. I myself suffer with health problems so does my husband. I know you can have health problems anywhere but at least if you're in a house, you've a bit more cleanliness. Living here, especially in winter, it's awful hard.
What are your hopes for the future regarding the site?
Well, at least now it looks like we're going to get electricity in but I'd still prefer a house though. I think we're going to have a very cold Christmas.
Are you looking forward to Christmas?
Not really, but we have no choice. It's better than being out on the side of the road anyway. At least we're in off the road so it's better for the kids.
If you think you’re being discriminated against or are the victim of prejudice then contact the Equality Authority in Ireland or the Citizens Advice Bureau or Equality Commission in NI for advice.
This article is part of the SpunOut.ie true life stories section – a space for young people to share their experiences of tough times and encourage others to seek help. This story is just one person's experience and it may be different for you. Remember that no matter what you are going through, there is help and support available. See the Find help section for more information: http://www.spunout.ie/help/
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