Draft Traveller Accommodation Progamme 2009-2013

Introduction

The recent assessment of Traveller Accommodation Needs carried out by Sligo Local Authorities indicates that there are approximately 87 Traveller families living in County Sligo. The requirements imposed on Sligo Local Authorities under the Housing (Traveller Accommodation) Act 1998 (subsequently referred to as the1998 Act) ensures that significant steps will be taken to resolve the Traveller accommodation issue within the County.

Sligo Local Authorities adopted a Traveller Accommodation Programme in 2005 in respect of the period ended 31st December 2008. It is now necessary to prepare and adopt a new programme to cover the period 2009 - 2013.

The purpose of the 1998 Act and the Accommodation Programme is to put into place the necessary procedures, measures, resources and facilities which are required to successfully accommodate Travellers in a manner, which will address all concerns relating to the provision of accommodation. Under this Act, responsibility for implementing the Traveller Accommodation Programme for the County of Sligo falls to Sligo Local Authorities. The adoption, amendment or replacement of the proposed Accommodation Programme is a function for the Council Members.

The steps which will be taken by Sligo Local Authorities, in co-operation with the other agencies within the County, over four years to accommodate Travellers are detailed in this Traveller Accommodation Programme for the period 1st January 2009 to 31st December 2013.

The Accommodation Programme for Traveller families residing in County Sligo has been prepared following:

• An assessment of Traveller families’ accommodation needs.
• Consultation with Travellers through the Local Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee.
• Advice from Local Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee.
• Notification to relevant Bodies that a Draft Accommodation Programme was being prepared by Sligo Local Authorities.
• Submissions received from interested Bodies on the Programme.

There are many issues, such as education, training etc. which must be tackled in conjunction with the provision of Traveller accommodation in order to successfully implement the Accommodation Programme. It will require changes in attitudes and acceptance of different lifestyles from all parties involved, from those providing the accommodation and those requiring it, to members of Local Communities in areas close to the accommodation.

The provision of adequate accommodation, as outlined in the programme, will not be achieved quickly or easily. However, it is essential that the process commences throughout County Sligo immediately in order to make progress to resolve the problems arising from the current lack of suitable accommodation.

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If you require information in an alternative format please phone the Communications office at 071 9111016 or email communications@sligococo.ie