Vol. 488 No. 3
31 Mr. Barrett asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government to outline the plans, if any, he has to ensure the ongoing maintenance and upkeep of halting sites and group housing schemes occupied by members of the travelling community; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5925/98]
Housing authorities are responsible for the ongoing maintenance and upkeep of halting sites and group housing schemes for travellers. In view of the costs involved, a scheme of financial assistance to local authorities in respect of the management and maintenance of such accommodation was introduced in 1997 and is being continued in 1998. Under the scheme, eligible costs are recouped by my Department at rates ranging from 50 per cent to 75 per cent depending on the type of maintenance expenditure. Funds were reserved in 1997 for a number of pilot initiatives which would encourage partnership arrangements between travellers and local authorities for the management of accommodation. I intend to invite proposals for further such initiatives in 1998.
The standards for the provision of accommodation are being improved and revised guidelines for the provision of residential caravan parks were issued by my Department in October 1997. The guidelines emphasise the need for best practice in design and operation with a view to improved management and maintenance of sites.
