Seán Haughey (Dublin Bay North, Fianna Fail)
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659. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the amount allocated to Fingal County Council in 2018 to improve accommodation specifically for Travellers; if none of this funding has been spent by Fingal County Council to date; the design plans for the accommodation of Travellers submitted to his Department for approval; the length of time it takes to sanction such plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48056/18]

Damien English (Meath West, 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.  

The allocations and recoupment profiles for capital Traveller accommodation projects can vary across local authorities given the local priorities, circumstances and project timelines as set out in their programmes.  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.  All applications for funding are dealt with on receipt. The timeline for assessment of Traveller-specific accommodation can vary considerably depending on the type of accommodation being developed or refurbished.

Fingal County Council's allocation for spend on Traveller Accommodation in 2018 was €851,189.  To date, Fingal County Council has drawn down this allocation in full with additional funding of €23,018 also provided by my Department.  This funding provided for the refurbishment of a 10 bay Halting site at Moyne Park, Baldoyle.