Traveller Accommodation

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 January 2024

Wednesday, 17 January 2024

Ceisteanna (779)

Bríd Smith

Ceist:

779. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 392 and 393 of 12 December 2023, if he will confirm that Dublin City Council has provided the additional information sought in relation to a funding application for temporary improvement works previously carried out in response to the hepatitis A outbreak to his Department on 5 December 2023; if he will confirm that funding will now be furnished to Dublin City Council in respect of this work; when a decision will be made in respect of funding for the additional temporary work that is to be carried out in response to the outbreak of hepatitis A; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57230/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage

The Housing (Traveller Accommodation) Act 1998 provides that 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.

The Act provides that 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 sought further information on 5 December 2023 in relation to a funding application for temporary improvement works previously carried out in response to the Hepatitis A outbreak and a response is awaited from the local authority. My Department will consider this funding application further when this additional information is provided by the local authority.

In parallel, my Department is also considering a further application for funding for additional temporary works in the context of the overall funding approval of €16.7m issued for the redevelopment of Labre Park and a decision will issue to the local authority in due course.