Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 September 2021
254. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the estimated amount it would cost to reverse the cuts in spending on Traveller accommodation since 2007 and to force local authorities to utilise funds in full. [44457/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe total drawdown of funding for Traveller-specific accommodation in 2007 was €35m. To-date in 2021, local authorities have drawndown almost €6.5m of the €15.5m available.
In accordance with the Housing (Traveller Accommodation) Act 1998, the role of my Department is to ensure that there are adequate structures and supports in place to assist housing authorities in providing accommodation for Travellers, including a national framework of policy, legislation and funding.
Following a review of the arrangements for the disbursement of funding for the provision and related supports of Traveller specific accommodation a new allocation process was implemented for 2020. My Department has ceased the practice of allocating specific budgets to individual local authorities. Instead, it is open to all local authorities to apply for and drawdown funds at any time throughout the year and this is actively encouraged by my Department.
My Department’s capital budget of €14.5m for Traveller Accommodation was drawn down in full in 2020. The budget for 2021 is €15.5m and officials from my Department make regular contact with each local authority throughout the year to support and facilitate the development of effective Traveller accommodation projects. Under 'Housing for All' there is a specific commitment to fund the ambition of local authority Traveller Accommodation Programmes in order to grow the traveller specific accommodation pipeline and this funding commitment will be met by my Department.
