Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 July 2018
914. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to incidents in which there have been difficulties for emergency services gaining unhindered access to Traveller accommodation at Glenamuck Road, Carrickmines, Dublin 18; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30083/18]
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. This responsibility includes carrying out the necessary health and safety checks on individual traveller halting sites, and where appropriate, taking necessary action to remedy the situation. Any concerns the Deputy may have in relation to the particular halting site concerned should be pursued directly with the relevant local authority, in this case Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council.
My Department’s role is to ensure that there are adequate structures and supports in place to assist the authorities in providing traveller accommodation, including a national framework of policy, legislation and funding. Capital funding of €12m is being provided for Traveller-specific accommodation in 2018. Included in this is provision to assist local authorities with the costs of capital works arising from the fire safety review of traveller-specific accommodation.
