In 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 2014, local authorities adopted the fourth round of Traveller Accommodation Programmes in 2014, with the five-year rolling accommodation programmes running from 2014 to 2018. These programmes provide a roadmap for local authority investment priorities over the period. They also form the basis for the allocation of funding from my Department for traveller accommodation, on foot of proposals received from local authorities and subject to approval from my Department.
2015 capital allocations in respect of Traveller specific accommodation have issued to local authorities. The bulk of the funding was allocated in respect of schemes already under construction, new schemes approved to commence construction in 2015 and to meet final balances on completed schemes. The balance of funding is towards projects that will be newly approved during 2015. As Galway City Council had no schemes either under construction or approved to commence construction in 2015, and had no final balances due, they did not receive an allocation this year.
In March 2015, as part of the allocation process, Galway City Council submitted a list of indicative proposals that they hope to progress in the coming years, in line with their Traveller Accommodation Programme 2014 to 2018. Detailed proposals, when received, will be examined by my Department. Subsequent to the 2015 allocation process, on 8 May 2015, Galway City Council submitted a post-tender report and documentation to my Department in relation to the demolition, rebuilding and refurbishment of two houses at Ballinfoyle Park, following extensive fire damage to the houses. My Department is in communication with the Council in relation to this proposal.
