Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I should clarify that Louth County Council is the authority with statutory responsibility for the assessment of accommodation needs of Travellers and the preparation, adoption and implementation of Traveller accommodation programmes, TAPs, in the Louth area. Following the removal of families from Woodlands Park halting site in January, the county council commenced a review of its Traveller accommodation programme 2014-2018 to facilitate all households and families who wished to make applications to be considered for housing or amend their accommodation type choice. The LTACC is currently meeting with regard to this review. It is important, as we discuss this, that we do not undermine the key role of the committee in this process.

A media report published today suggests that seven families are on the roadside with no water supply. Louth County Council is aware of four caravans that have been placed at Naughton's Close, approximately 1 km from the Woodlands Park site. The council is not satisfied that these caravans are occupied. I understand the council is currently investigating the situation to bring some clarity to the matter. The media report also suggests that the seven families are among a number of families removed from Woodlands Park halting site in January this year. While the families' representative claimed that there were 23 families on site at the time of the initial removal, only 15 families presented to Louth County Council seeking alternative accommodation.

Since the removals, the council has met with every family who presented to them seeking accommodation. In line with housing regulations, where the council considered that a family's housing needs were being met in other accommodation, they were not provided with emergency hotel or bed and breakfast accommodation. However, of the 15 families who presented to the council following the removals from the Woodlands Park site in January, 14 have since been accommodated through various social housing supports including housing assistance payment, social and voluntary housing, and emergency bed and breakfast accommodation. One family is no longer receiving support as they have refused two offers of accommodation from the council.

Immediately following the removals from Woodlands Park, and in advance of the review of its Traveller accommodation plan, the council formed the view that there would be likely demand for a halting site in the area and, accordingly, sought financial support from my Department to refurbish the Woodlands Park site. This was granted and the council has advised my Department that work on the site commenced last Monday morning, as scheduled. Accordingly funding will be provided by my Department in line with the approved budget for these works. Offers of accommodation on the site will be made by the council over the coming weeks with likely occupation before year end.

I have every confidence that Louth County Council will continue to work with the Traveller families, the LTACC and all concerned to ensure that the accommodation needs of Travellers in the area are met.

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