Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 25 Mar 2003

Vol. 563 No. 4

Written Answers - Traveller Accommodation.

Charlie O'Connor

Question:

604 Mr. O'Connor asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the action he is taking to ensure that all local authorities respond to their responsibilities in respect of the Traveller accommodation programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8373/03]

Minister for the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Cullen)

My Department has been concerned to have an adequate legislative and financial framework in place within which local authorities, voluntary bodies and Travellers may provide or be assisted in the provision of accommodation for Travellers.

As required under the Housing (Traveller Accommodation) Act 1998, each county and city council, borough council and the town councils of Bray and Dundalk have prepared and adopted five year Traveller accommodation programmes covering the period 2000-04. All relevant local authorities are now in the process of implementing these programmes.

My Department continues to provide the necessary funding to meet the cost to local authorities of the provision of Traveller-specific accommodation. Total expenditure under this accommodation capital programme during its first three years was €65.46 million. A further €30 million has been allocated in 2003 for Traveller-specific accommodation.

This expenditure is in addition to the expenditure on standard local authority accommodation funded under my Department's local authority housing programme and housing provided by voluntary housing bodies and funded under my Department's voluntary housing schemes which was allocated to Travellers in this period. My Department continues to liaise closely with local authorities in relation to the implementation of these programmes.

Charlie O'Connor

Question:

605 Mr. O'Connor asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he is considering proposals from South Dublin County Council in respect of Traveller accommodation in that county; if there is a delay in the process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8374/03]

Minister for the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Cullen)

There are three proposals from South Dublin County Council relating to Traveller-specific accommodation before my Department for consideration at present. These schemes relate to the redevelopment of a halting site at Ballyowen, the redevelopment of the halting site and the provision of ten new group houses at Kishogue and the provision of five new group houses at Kiltalown Lane, Killinarden, Tallaght.

In relation to the proposed schemes at Kishogue and Killinarden, my Department raised a number of concerns with the council, including unit costs and design aspects of the schemes, such as the size of the bays and the amount of shared living space being made available. These issues have been discussed between officials of the council and of my Department and it is expected that the matters raised will be agreed at an early date.

The halting site at Ballyowen is a long established one and the council proposes to refurbish it to modern standards. However, because of the nature of the site a number of issues arise which would, if the scheme was allowed to proceed in accordance with the council's proposals, result in halting site bays which are far in excess of the size recommended in my Department's guidelines. My Department has been in contact with the council's staff with a view to resolving this matter.