I propose to take Questions Nos. 218 and 219 together.
It is my Department’s policy that, where there is a requirement identified by a local authority for Traveller accommodation, it is to provide permanent accommodation insofar as possible, while at the same time respecting the nomadic tradition of the Traveller community. However, cognisant of emergencies which arise from time to time which by their nature cannot be planned for or anticipated, my Department does provides funding to local authorities of up to 50% to assist with the cost of purchase of emergency replacement mobile caravans.
As a response to the Covid-19 pandemic, replacement mobile homes or caravans are also funded by my Department having regard to the immediate public health emergency arising where local authorities have assessed and identified the need, and this remains in place for the duration of the pandemic. Funding in excess of 50% was provided where a local authority made a case where their budget was not sufficient to provide the balance of funding required.
The information requested is set out in the Tables below:
No. of Covid mobiles per LA 2021
|
Local Authority
|
No. of Covid mobiles
|
|
Cork City
|
5
|
|
Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown
|
2
|
|
Fingal
|
2
|
|
Galway City
|
1
|
|
Laois
|
1
|
|
Tipperary
|
2
|
|
Total
|
13
|
No. of Covid mobiles per LA for 2020
|
Local Authority
|
No. of Covid mobiles
|
|
Clare
|
6
|
|
Cork City
|
7
|
|
Cork County
|
2
|
|
Donegal
|
4
|
|
Dublin City
|
6
|
|
Dun Laoghaire Rathdown
|
7
|
|
Fingal
|
8
|
|
South Dublin
|
9
|
|
Galway City
|
2
|
|
Galway County
|
4
|
|
Limerick
|
6
|
|
Offaly
|
4
|
|
Sligo
|
11
|
|
Tipperary
|
5
|
|
Wexford
|
1
|
|
Total
|
82
|
