Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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325. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government when he will sanction funding to Westmeath County Council for 14 new Traveller residential units at Blackberry Lane, Athlone, County Westmeath. [22008/16]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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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 (TAPs) 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 2014, local authorities adopted the fourth round of Traveller Accommodation Programmes, with the five-year rolling accommodation programmes running from 2014 to 2018. These programmes provide a road map for local authority investment priorities over the period. They also form the basis for the allocation of funding from my Department for Traveller accommodation, on foot of proposals received from local authorities and subject to approval from my Department.

Proposals in relation to development at the halting site at Blackberry Lane, Athlone have been received from Westmeath County Council and are being examined by my Department. In order to expedite consideration of the proposals, my Department is currently in discussion with the Council to clarify a number of issues.