Seanad debates
Tuesday, 10 December 2002
Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill, 2002: Second Stage.
I listened to a news report on Traveller families seeking accommodation which stated that 1,000 such families are on the waiting list. I am aware of many Traveller families who have suitable sites for housing. I am also aware that 100% grants are available from the Minister's Department. I have raised the issue with my local authority in Galway. Steps should be taken to speed up the provision of houses for people who have their own sites and where there is a difficulty obtaining other sites or houses. There should be a provision under this scheme or another one to ensure that, where suitable sites are available, Traveller families receive priority. I know the Department has provided sufficient money for them and that the difficulty is obtaining sites. Using sites that Travellers have available would be a good way of providing housing for them and there are many examples of this in County Galway.
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