COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

south dublin county council crest

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, December 14, 2009

MOTION NO. 4

MOTION: Councillor M. Corr

That the Manager undertakes a review of the Traveller Accommodation within the county in terms of environmental hazards, increased dumping, animal welfare and safety issues with a view to addressing as a matter of urgency these matters.

REPORT:

The Traveller Accommodation Programme 2009-2013 adopted by the Council in February 2009 states:"The Council proposes to continue to work closely with the Traveller Community to enhance tenant participation programmes and environmental awareness programmes. The Council's Estate Management Unit and Environmental Awareness Officer will assist in the development programmes in consultation with the local development groups and the LTACC".

Prior to and since the adoption  of the current programme the Traveller Accommodation Unit has been working with the Anti-Litter Wardens to address the issue of illegal dumping, 

An information campaign to inform residents of their obligations to maintain their dwelling and surrounding areas in an acceptable condition  in accordance with their tenancy agreement has been carried out in conjunction with the caretakers of the Traveller Specific Developments.

The use of CCTV to identify offenders in relation to burning and dumping is being used on many of the developments and the Council have made an application to the Department of Environment and Heritage & Local Government for  funding to expand the use of CCTV to deter this type of activity and anti-social behaviour and approval has been received.

The Traveller Accommodation Unit and the Parks and Landscape Services Department is currently conducting a survey in respect of the external areas of all the Traveller Accommodation development within the County.  A report in respect of the survey will be presented to the Council when available.

As outlined in the programme mainstreaming of services and good estate management are important elements of traveller accommodation provision and in the main is respected except for the minority of cases. The Council through its front line staff, operational group meetings, LTACC meetings and the County Traveller Strategy Committee will continue to address areas of concern in this regard.