Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 June 2017
2200. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government if Louth County Council has made an application for funding in 2017 to develop Traveller accommodation; if so, the amount of funding that has been sought; the development projects which Louth County Council plans to support with this funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27502/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 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. 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.
As part of the annual capital allocation process, local authorities submit proposals for individual Traveller-specific projects and developments which are assessed on a case-by-case basis in my Department in advance of allocations being made. As part of the capital allocations process for 2017, a request was received from Louth County Council for funding of €402,574 towards the continued refurbishment of Woodlands Park Halting Site, Dundalk. The Council has received an allocation of €237,087 from my Department towards the costs, while there is on-going communications between my Department and the Council regarding the finalised budget for the refurbishment.
Further proposals for projects and developments from local authorities, including Louth County Council, will be considered by my Department throughout the year as proposals are received, on a case by case basis.
