Traveller Accommodation

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 20 October 2022

Thursday, 20 October 2022

Questions (220)

Thomas Gould

Question:

220. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide an update on an application by Cork City Council to build firewalls in Traveller bays. [52488/22]

Written answers

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.

An application from Cork City Council to carry out upgrade works to a halting site is currently under review by my Department on foot of engagement with the City Council. A decision will made and notified to the City Council at the earliest possible opportunity.