Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 June 2015
244. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if Galway City Council has submitted proposals regarding Traveller-specific accommodation to the Traveller accommodation unit; the date of receipt of this; and the expected length of time it will take the unit to reply to this submission and conclude on proposals contained therein. [25238/15]
View answerIn accordance with the Housing (Traveller Accommodation) Act 1998, housing authorities have statutory responsibility for the assessment of the accommodation needs of Travellers and the preparation, adoption and implementation of multi-annual Traveller accommodation programmes in their areas. My Department’s role is to ensure that there are adequate structures and supports in place to assist the authorities in providing such accommodation, including a national framework of policy, legislation and funding.
In relation to traveller accommodation proposals from Galway City Council, a post tender report and documentation was submitted to my Department on 8 May 2015 in relation to the demolition, rebuilding and refurbishment of two houses at Ballinfoyle Park, following extensive fire damage to the houses. The proposal is under consideration in my Department and a decision will issue to the Council shortly. There are no further traveller accommodation proposals from Galway City Council currently with my Department awaiting decision.
