Brian Stanley (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Fein)
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244. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if Galway City Council has submitted proposals regarding Traveller-specific accommodation to the Traveller accommodation unit; the date of receipt of this; and the expected length of time it will take the unit to reply to this submission and conclude on proposals contained therein. [25238/15]

Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour)
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In accordance with the Housing (Traveller Accommodation) Act 1998, 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 in their areas. My Department’s role is to ensure that there are adequate structures and supports in place to assist the authorities in providing such accommodation , including a national framework of policy, legislation and funding .

In relation to traveller accommodation proposals from Galway City Council, a post tender report and documentation was submitted to my Department on 8 May 2015 in relation to the demolition, rebuilding and refurbishment of two houses at Ballinfoyle Park, following extensive fire damage to the houses . The proposal is under consideration in my Department and a decision will issue to the Council shortly. There are no further traveller accommodation proposals from Galway City Council currently with my Department awaiting decision.