asked the Minister for the Environment if local authorities have legal obligation to provide adequate serviced accommodation for travelling families and, if so, the steps he is taking to ensure that local authorities meet their obligations in this regard.
Written Answers. - Travelling Families Accommodation.
371.
I presume the Deputy has in mind the residential sites and halting places which are provided with services.
There is no legal obligation on local authorities in this regard but local authorities are expected to provide for the needs of travelling families in their areas. I have asked local authorities to prepare comprehensive plans to provide for the total situation in their areas. These plans are to include standard housing as well as accommodation on residential sites and serviced facilities at halting places. Consultation between managers was suggested to decide where halting places for transient families could be sited to best advantage, having regard to the routes followed by the travellers.