COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL
MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL
Monday, October 14, 2019
QUESTION NO. 28
QUESTION: Councillor G. O'Connell
To ask the Chief Executive for a progress report on the Traveller Accommodation Programme, to include the activity planned for 2019 and expected outcome in terms of Units completed and to include an update on the Caravan Loan Pilot.
REPLY:
The Council's Traveller Accommodation Programme was adopted by the Elected Members at the July Council meeting.
The programme outlines delivery objectives and updates on each for the remainder of 2019 as follows:
- progressing Part 8s for specially adapted refurbishments of 3 units of accommodation at Belgard Park (2) and Kishogue Park (1) - Part 8 proposals for these works are currently under public consultation.
- progress Part 8 for redevelopment of Owendoher Haven - consultation has commenced with the residents including circulating preliminary designs to the residents for consideration and feedback to inform final proposals.
- Discussions ongoing with residents in relation to existing Part 8 approval for redevelopment of Fonthill Road site.
In relation to progressing the redevelopment of Oldcastle Park for which the TAP objective is to achieve Part 8 approval in 2020, initial consultation meetings with residents are scheduled this month in conjunction with the Clondalkin Traveller Development Group.
At the inaugural meeting of the new Local Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee held on 12th September, it was agreed to review the Caravan Loan Scheme having regard for the Credit Reporting Act 2013 and associated Regulations which make it compulsory since 2018 for lenders (including Local Authorities) to check applicants credit reports in the Central Credit Register when they are considering a loan application of €2,000 or more. In addition, repayments for Caravan Loans are currently not permitted by the Department of Social Protection through the Household Budget Deduction Scheme.