Almost half of the Traveller population live in counties with no specific youth projects for their community.

A new survey by the Irish Traveller Movement (ITM) also found 53% of Traveller organisations receive no funding towards their youth work.

ITM spokesperson Rose Marie Maughan said these young people need to have spaces where they can learn and grow

"The survey really highlights the dire need for investment in young Travellers," she said.

"So that young Travellers, like every other young person in the country, has equal opportunities to culturally appropriate youth work spaces.

"That's whether it's in a Traveller specific setting, or in a mainstream youth work space."

The group wants more outreach workers to be recruited from the community to increase engagement with one of the most marginalised groups in Irish society.

Main image: A small Haulting site in Dublin. Photo: Sam Boal / RollingNews.ie