asked the Minister for the Environment if he will outline the assistance given by his Department to the programme for the resettlement of itinerant families; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Itinerant Families.
232.
My Department give every possible encouragement and assistance in providing accommodation for travelling families. In the case of families wishing to be housed, and entitled to housing, the local housing authorities have been encouraged to give the families due consideration in accordance with the statutory schemes of letting priorities.
Accommodation provided under the regular housing programme for such families is financed in the normal way under that programme. For those who cannot appropriately be housed, local authorities have been encouraged to make available places on serviced sites. Capital is allocated by the Department for every approved proposal of a local authority for special accommodation schemes and for serviced sites and there is a 100 per cent subsidy on annual loan charges. In addition, my Department provides 90 per cent financial assistance towards the cost of employing social workers engaged in the settlement programme.
The Travelling People Review Group, which was set up in January 1981, presented their report last May. A Government review body composed of six Ministers of State has been established to ensure the urgent consideration by the relevant Departments and public authorities of the recommendations in the report and to identify and implement those recommendations in the report which are capable of implementation in the current financial situation.
233.
asked the Minister for the Environment the number and location of hard stand facilities for itinerant families provided in each local authority area.
The information requested is as follows:
|
Local Authority |
Location |
Number of family units provided |
|
Clare County Council |
Beechpark, Ennis |
6 |
|
Cork County Council |
Black Ash |
6 |
|
Limerick County Council |
Rathkeale |
14 |
|
Monaghan County Council |
Gortakeegan |
5 |
|
Castleblayney |
8 |
|
|
Roscommon County Council |
Castlerea |
10 |
|
Killerney |
16 |
|
|
Sligo County Council |
Ballyfree |
8 |
|
Tipperary (NR) County Council |
Ballyvillane |
5 |
|
Cork Corporation |
Hollyhill, Knocknaheeny |
12 |
|
Mahon, Blackrock |
6 |
|
|
Dublin Corporation |
Dubber Cross, Ballymun |
21 |
|
Dunsink Lane, Finglas |
20 |
|
|
Cara Park, Coolock |
20 |
|
|
Listowel UDC |
Curraghtoosane |
3 |
|
Longford UDC |
Strokestown Road |
12 |
Note: The information relates to serviced sites providing hard stand facilities only. It does not include chalet sites or sites provided with hard stands initially which were later converted into chalet sites or bungalow sites. Some temporary hard stand sites provided are also excluded.