COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF DEVELOPMENT PLAN MEETING

Thursday, June 17, 2021

MOTION NO.

MOTION: Councillor G. O'Connell, Councillor P. Gogarty, Councillor L. O'Toole

It shall be an objective of the County Development Plan 2022 - 2028 that it be a priority for SDCC to secure a location for, and to develop a Transient Traveller Halting site within two years of the approval of the County Development Plan 2022 - 2028.

REPORT:

The motion seeks to include a new objective to read ‘It shall be an objective of the County Development Plan 2022 - 2028 that it be a priority for SDCC to secure a location for, and to develop a Transient Traveller Halting site within two years of the approval of the County Development Plan 2022 - 2028.’ under Housing Policy 4: Traveller Accommodation which seeks to Implement the South Dublin County Council Traveller Accommodation Programme 2019 – 2024 (and any superseding programmes agreed by the Council) in accordance with the principles of proper planning and sustainable development.

The Traveller Accommodation Programme 2019 – 2024 (TAP) sets out the following in terms of Transient Sites; ‘The Council will consider the provision of transient accommodation in the County during the term of the Traveller Accommodation Programme 2019-2024. Transient sites should however only be provided following the full provision of the Traveller specific accommodation requirement of Travellers indigenous to South Dublin County. It is proposed to continue discussing with the other Dublin Local Authorities the need for and, if necessary, identify suitable locations for such provision in order to provide for a coordinated approach in the Dublin Region.’

The merit of the motion is considered reasonable. However, the TAP which has been adopted, indicates the need to work with the other Dublin Local Authorities to discuss the need for and, if necessary, identify suitable locations for such provision. Having regard to the Traveller Accommodation Programme, an amended objective is considered appropriate.

Recommendation: It is recommended that the motion is adopted with amendment taking into consideration the content of this motion and the Traveller Accommodation Programme, to insert a new Objective under Policy 4 to reads:

H4 Objective 5: ‘To provide transient sites in accordance with legislation and to liaise with the other Dublin Local Authorities on the need for and, if necessary, identify suitable locations for such provision in order to provide for a coordinated approach in the Dublin Region.’