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Traveller Accommodation

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 October 2017

Thursday, 26 October 2017

Ceisteanna (49)

Mick Barry

Ceist:

49. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if emergency measures will be put in place to properly accommodate Travellers in Spring Lane, County Cork, and other sites that have been storm damaged. [45287/17]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

In accordance with the Housing (Traveller Accommodation) Act 1998, housing authorities have statutory responsibility for the assessment of the accommodation needs of Travellers and also have responsibility for 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. 

In relation to any damage incurred by events such as storm Ophelia, it is a matter for each housing authority to assess any damage caused to Traveller-specific accommodation in their area.  I understand that Cork City Council are currently liaising with the residents at Spring Lane in this regard.  As part of the capital funding supports provided by my Department, funding of 50% is provided to housing authorities for the purchase of ‘Emergency Replacement Mobiles’. An emergency in this respect is an unanticipated event, such as storm damage, that would render a caravan/mobile uninhabitable or dangerous to live in.  This scheme relates to authorised local authority sites only.  Any request from housing authorities for such funding will be urgently considered. 

In response to Storm Ophelia, my Department recently issued a reminder to all housing authorities on the availability of this scheme.

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