Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 June 2019
678. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if funding will be made available to Sligo County Council to deliver a scheme to provide bedroom extensions for a number families at a location (details supplied) as outlined in the draft Traveller accommodation programme 1 July 2019 to 30 June 2024 of the council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25475/19]
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.
Housing authorities submit funding proposals to my Department annually for individual Traveller-specific projects, both new developments and renovation and refurbishments. These projects are assessed in my Department in advance of allocations being made. The capital budget available for the delivery of Traveller accommodation is determined as part of the annual estimates process. A budget of €13m is available for this purpose in 2019, an increase of €1m on the €12m available in 2018. My Department is committed to ensuring that there is sufficient capital funding available to enable the successful delivery of all Traveller Accommodation Programmes.
The Sligo Traveller Accommodation Programme 2019 to 2024 is a draft programme which has not yet been adopted by the elected members. While my Department has received a number of proposals in relation to the location concerned, no proposal in relation to bedroom extensions has been received. Any such proposal, if received, will be considered by my Department.
