Skip to main content
Normal View

Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 17 Apr 1997

Vol. 477 No. 7

Written Answers. - Traveller Halting Sites.

Seamus Brennan

Question:

83 Mr. S. Brennan asked the Minister for the Environment the criteria used in costing halting site proposals from local authorities; the way in which over-runs on the approved cost are handled by his Department in the allocation of funding; whether there is any provision for maintenance costs in the approved funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10255/97]

Seamus Brennan

Question:

84 Mr. S. Brennan asked the Minister for the Environment the maximum and minimum costs for installing one family on a halting site, including site and development costs, over the past 12 months in the south Dublin area; the way in which this cost compares with similar costs in rural areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10256/97]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 83 and 84 together.

I refer to the reply to Question No. 98 of 12 March 1997 in relation to the criteria for assessing applications by local authorities for funding the provision of halting sites. When a local authority has been given an approved budget cost for a scheme and the lowest tender received is within 10 per cent of the budget element of the approved cost, it is not necessary to seek my approval to accept the tender but details must be notified to my Department. Any other cost over-runs are considered on their merits having regard to the criteria. Maintenance costs are not included in the approved budget cost. However, as announced in the national strategy for traveller accomodation, a scheme is being introduced this year to provide financial assistance to local authorities in respect of certain costs associated with the maintenance of traveller accommodation.

One proposal for a residential caravan park has been approved in the south Dublin area in the past 12 months at Lower Dodder Road where it is proposed to provide an eight bay site with caretaker facility, meeting-reception room and pre-school facility at an estimated cost of £520,000 or an average cost of £65,000 per bay. This compares with the most recently approved rural scheme which is under construction by Meath County Council at Trim; this will provide 14 bays, a community building, including caretaker's office and pre-school facility, at an estimated cost of £851,500 or an average cost of £61,000 per bay.
Top
Share