I propose to take Questions Nos. 248 and 249 together.
The Housing (Traveller Accommodation) Act 1998 provides that the role of my Department is to ensure that there are adequate structures and supports in place to assist the authorities in providing accommodation for Travellers, including a national framework of policy, legislation and funding.
The Act provides that 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.
In April 2016, a Stage 1 application for the redevelopment of this site was submitted to my Department, and in September 2016, my Department granted approval for a budget provision of €8,695,621. In July 2019, a Stage 2 application was received by my Department and approval was granted subsequently for funding of €13,216,290. In December 2022, a revised Stage 2 application was received by my Department seeking approval of €27,037,760.
In February 2023, my Department requested further information on the revised application including the significant change to the scope and extent of the works and the units to be delivered.
My Department also recently met with Dublin City Council officials to discuss the upgrade works on Labre Park, in the context of the wider redevelopment. My Department intends to follow up with the Council shortly to seek clarification on a number of matters. My Department will make a decision on the revised application for the redevelopment of the site once it has considered all the information received from Dublin City Council.
My Department continues to support the Council in advancing both the upgrade works and the redevelopment of the site to deliver improved conditions for the residents.
