Longford research puts Traveller and Roma communities at the heart of Physical Activity Programmes
Research explored the barriers and facilitators influencing participation in physical activity
Press Release: Thursday 5 November
Longford County Council and Longford Sports Partnership are pleased to announce the publication of an important research initiative aimed at improving access to physical activity and exercise among Traveller and Roma communities in County Longford following investment from Sport Ireland. This study, published in the medical journal BMJ Open in 2026, was written by Dr Lewis King, Sarah Mulligan and Dr Stephen McNally. It explored the barriers and facilitators influencing participation in physical activity among Traveller and Roma communities in Ireland.
The research identified several challenges that can prevent people from participating in exercise, including financial costs, transport difficulties, discrimination, language barriers, limited access to suitable facilities and a lack of culturally appropriate activities. However, the research also highlighted something equally important: Traveller and Roma communities have a strong interest in becoming more physically active when opportunities are accessible, welcoming, and relevant to their needs.
Moving From Research Into Action
Building on these findings, Longford Sports Partnership is now undertaking a further participatory research study with members of the Traveller and Roma communities. Through community focus groups, participants will explore:
- the activities people would like to take part in
- where programmes should be held
- the days and times that would suit participants
- what support people may need
- what would encourage regular participation
Focus groups with members of the Traveller community are also being undertaken, ensuring that their experiences, preferences and priorities directly inform the development of future programmes. Importantly, the study recognises that Traveller and Roma communities are distinct groups and that a single approach may not meet everyone’s needs.
Why This Matters for County Longford
The findings will help Longford County Council and Longford Sports Partnership plan activities, select suitable venues and improve access to local programmes. By understanding the needs of communities who may experience barriers to participation, the Sports Partnership can make better-informed decisions about programme development, venue selection, accessibility, partnerships and the allocation of resources. The study supports the Council’s wider work to promote equality, social inclusion, community participation and better health.
Building Community Capacity
An important emerging aspect of the study is the potential to support Traveller and Roma community members to become physical activity leaders or instructors. This could include exploring accessible training opportunities, supporting individuals to gain appropriate qualifications and creating pathways for community members to become involved in delivering exercise programmes. Such an approach has the potential to build confidence, strengthen community ownership, improve communication and support the longer-term sustainability of physical activity initiatives.
Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council Cllr Gerry Hagan said, “This research puts the voices of Traveller and Roma communities at the heart of local planning. This work is a positive step towards ensuring that more people across County Longford can enjoy an active and healthy life and will help create welcoming and accessible opportunities for more people to enjoy the benefits of physical activity.”
Chief Executive of Longford County Council, Samantha Healy said, “The findings from this study will help Longford County Council and Longford Sports Partnership make informed decisions about activities, venues, access and supports. They will also help us work with local communities to remove barriers and provide fairer opportunities to take part.”
Commenting on the importance of the research, Dr Stephen McNally for Longford Sports Partnership said, “This research is about listening to communities and using what we learn to make a real difference. We know that physical activity has enormous benefits for physical health, mental well-being and social connection, but we also recognise that not everyone has the same opportunities to participate. The original research helped us understand the barriers faced by Traveller and Roma communities. The next stage is about working directly with those communities to develop practical solutions.”
Looking Ahead
The central message of the research is simple: improving participation in physical activity begins with listening to communities, understanding their needs and working together to remove barriers. Through this initiative, Longford County Council and Longford Sports Partnership are seeking to turn research into meaningful local action and ensure that more people can enjoy the benefits of an active and healthy lifestyle.
You can read the study in full by clicking this link
