Reply - Q17 Traveller Accommodation Programme

COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

south dublin county council crest

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, May 09, 2011

QUESTION NO 17.

QUESTION: Councillor E. Tuffy

To ask the Manager for a Report on the implementation of the current Traveller Accommodation Programme and the consequences of the Council's financial constraints on its implementation?

REPLY:

The Housing Department's Traveller Accommodation Programme 2009 – 2013 was adopted by the Council at its meeting on 9^th February 2009 and each year an annual programme of building and refurbishment projects are presented to the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government for approval for capital finance for the Programme. The 2011 Programme was submitted to include the completion of works at the following sites:

Turnpike; two houses and one specially adapted house for the existing residents.
Construction of single instance specially adapted housing units at Cherryfield and Lynch’s park.
Construction of 3 houses at Belgard Road for existing tenants.
Greenhills Grove; A refurbishment Project on 6 housing units at the Group Housing Scheme at Greenhills Grove.
Final Account Payments at Lynch’s Lane 3 Bay Emergency Site and Coldcut Group Housing Scheme,
A refurbishment Programme at, Ballyowen, Owendoher Haven and Cherryfield Residential Caravan Parks to enable direct electricity billing meters.

The combined cost of the proposed 2011 Capital Programme was €1,089,996.00. The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government have reviewed the Programme and while they continue to consider the final account figures, and the proposals for the redevelopment of Belgard Road have advised the Housing Department that the sum of €600,000.00 is approved for the Capital Programme for 2011.

The estimate provision for the Management and Maintenance of traveller specific accommodation for 2011 is €1,249,200.00 which is similar to the sum provided in 2010. The revenue spending on this programme is regularly monitered and was within budget for 2010 and the provision for 2011 will also be sufficient to provide for a full maintenance programme. The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government provide a grant to Local Authorities for the Maintenance of sites and provision of caretaking services; the grant figure for 2010 was €257,706.58, and is expected to be similar for 2011.