Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent)
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701. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the position regarding Traveller accommodation that is lying idle at Cabragh, Thurles, County Tipperary; the expenditure on same under the Traveller-specific accommodation scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11762/19]

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.

As part of the allocation process, local authorities submit a programme of capital works for individual Traveller-specific projects and developments, which are assessed in my Department, in advance of allocations being made. My Department provided a total of €2,228,669 to Tipperary County Council in respect of the development at Cabragh Bridge. I understand that a mediation process is ongoing in relation to the occupancy of the accommodation at this site and the Council is hopeful of resolution to the current situation.