Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 July 2018
915. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government his plans to provide for the fitting of remote controlled motorised gates at all Traveller accommodation sites to ensure unhindered access for emergency services. [30084/18]
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 (TAPs) in their areas. This responsibility includes carrying out the necessary health and safety checks on individual traveller halting sites, and where appropriate, taking necessary action to remedy the situation.
My Department’s role is to ensure that there are adequate structures and supports in place to assist the authorities in providing traveller accommodation, including a national framework of policy, legislation and funding. Capital funding of €12m is being provided for Traveller-specific accommodation in 2018. Included in this is provision to assist local authorities with the costs of capital works arising from the fire safety review of traveller-specific accommodation.
I have no plans to introduce a nationwide policy on the provision of motorised gates for halting sites. However, it is open to housing authorities, following any health and safety checks of halting sites, to submit proposals for funding to my Department.
