MOBILISE: Addressing Energy Poverty amongst those living in mobile homes within the Traveller Community

Authors:  Dr Michelle O'Keeffe, Moya Cronin, Denise Heffernan & Dr Mary Galvin

Organisations:  Munster Technological University Cork

The MOBILISE Project is a collaborative initiative aimed at addressing energy efficiency challenges in mobile dwellings, with a particular focus on the Traveller community in Ireland. Using a Human-Centered Design (HCD) approach, the project ensures that solutions are both technically effective and culturally sensitive, aligning with the lived experiences of this marginalised group. Energy poverty disproportionately impacts the Traveller community due to socio-economic, cultural, and infrastructural factors, with mobile dwellings often excluded from mainstream energy efficiency schemes. Through participatory research, the project seeks to understand these challenges and co-develop user-driven, contextually relevant strategies. The methodology combines qualitative and participatory techniques, including co-design workshops, semi-structured interviews, surveys, a Community of Practice, and prototyping activities. These approaches ensure the research remains inclusive, actionable, and grounded in the real-world needs of stakeholders. Initial findings highlight systemic barriers, cultural nuances, and the significant impact of energy poverty on health and well-being. Co-design workshops emphasised the importance of trust-building and cultural sensitivity, while surveys provided valuable data on energy usage patterns. Prototypes developed through this process reflect community priorities, focusing on affordability, usability, and cultural relevance. The MOBILISE Project demonstrates the power of engaged participatory research in addressing complex challenges, offering a model for integrating HCD principles into public policy and practice to foster equity and inclusion in energy efficiency efforts.