traveller accommodation programme 2014–2018
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Comhairle Chontae Shligigh
SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL
Comhairle Bhuirg Shligigh
SLIGO BOROUGH COUNCIL
TRAVELLER ACCOMMODATION PROGRAMME
2014 – 2018
April 2014
Sligo County Council Traveller Accommodation Programme 2014 – 2018 April 2014
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Table of Contents
Page
1 Introduction 3
2 Review of Traveller Accommodation Programme 2009 – 2013 4
3 Public Consultation Process 5
4 Assessment of Need/Projected Need 6
5 Statement of Policy 13
6 Strategy Statement 16
7 Measures for Implementation 19
8 Conclusion 23
Appendix 1 - Membership of Local Traveller Accommodation
Consultative Committee
24
1. Introduction
1.1 Housing (Traveller Accommodation) Act 1998
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Sligo County Council/Sligo Borough Council, under the provisions of the Housing (Traveller
Accommodation) Act 1998, is required to prepare and adopt a new Traveller Accommodation
Programme for the five year period of 1st January 2014 to 31st December 2018. The new
Programme will replace the current Programme which will expire on 31st December 2013.
Under the 1998 Act, Sligo County Council/Sligo Borough Council has certain obligations in
relation to the preparation, adoption and implementation of a Traveller Accommodation
Programme. In summary, Sligo County Council/Sligo Borough Council is required to:
prepare and adopt an Accommodation Programme to meet the existing and projected
accommodation needs of Travellers in County Sligo
allow for public input to the preparation and amendment of the Programme.
take appropriate steps to secure implementation of the Programme.
include objectives concerning Traveller Accommodation in the County Development Plan.
The Minister for Housing & Planning has set the latest date for the adoption of the
Accommodation Programme as 30th April 2014. The Minister has also directed that a review
of this Accommodation Programme should be carried out not later than 31st December 2016.
1.2 Local Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee
In accordance with the provisions of Section 21 and 22 of the 1998 Act a Local Traveller
Accommodation Consultative Committee has been established. The Committee meets to
advise Sligo County Council/Sligo Borough Council on the provision and management of
accommodation for Travellers.
The Consultative Committee plays an important role in the development of the Traveller
Accommodation Programme and the views of the Committee are being taken into account in
the preparation of this Programme. Implementation of the Programme will be monitored by
the Committee, and issues arising addressed. Membership of the Sligo Local Traveller
Accommodation Consultative Committee of Sligo County Council is set out in Appendix 1.
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2. Review of Traveller Accommodation Programme 2009-2013
A review of the Sligo Traveller Accommodation Programme 2009-2013 was carried out in
early 2012, which was considered by the LTACC on 9th May 2012. It concluded that there
was no material change in the measures set out in the Traveller Accommodation Programme
2009-2013 needed to deal with the needs set out in the initial programme. Comments were
made on each of the specific Borough and County measures as to progress, or why progress
was not possible.
2.1 Delivery Issues Arising
In the course of endeavouring to implement the objectives of the Traveller Accommodation
Programme, progress at times was slower than was desirable. This was considered by the
Council at the mid-term review point of the Traveller Accommodation Plan. It was felt that due
to the large number of capital projects, which required implementation over the lifetime of the
TAP and beyond, that outside assistance and expertise would be beneficial to achieve
agreement and successful delivery on certain aspects of the Programme.
The intention was that the Council would engage with an approved voluntary housing body,
who would act as an intermediary between the two local authorities and the travelling
community, on some projects where difficulties were being experienced in getting
agreement/progress. The particular emphasis would be on reaching consensus on how
housing accommodation needs could be met and moved forward to deliverable and
successful conclusion.
An open competition was held inviting expressions of interest in 2012 but unfortunately it was
not successful as no approved housing body expressed an interest in working in this area
with the Council.
Having considered the matter further, the existing Ballyfree Halting site was identified as a
priority area for intervention. On this particular site the Council engaged with Cluid Approved
Housing Body to see what progress could be made in reaching agreement with the families
for resolution of housing issues and eventual renovation and management of the site by
Cluid. Following a series of meetings with representatives of the families, Sligo Traveller
Support Group and the council, Cluid concluded that it did not have the resources to manage
the site nor could it commit to the management of the site in the future but would be willing to
consider becoming involved in new accommodation outside of the site.
This initiative will be developed further as part of this Programme.
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3. Public Consultation Process
Sligo County Council, in accordance with the requirements of Section 8 of the Housing
(Traveller Accommodation) Act 1998, gave public notice on 28th August 2013 (by way of
letter) to relevant bodies, of its intention to prepare a Draft Traveller Accommodation
Programme for the period 2014-2018 and to carry out an assessment of existing and
projected Traveller accommodation needs.
Notice of our intention to prepare a Draft Accommodation Programme was given to the
following:
Sligo Traveller Support Group
Local Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee
Adjoining Housing Authorities
Health Service Executive West
Department of Education and Science
Relevant members of Sligo County Council and Sligo Borough Council
Sligo Leader Partnership Company
Probation and Welfare Service
An Garda Siochana
FAS
Sligo VEC
Sligo County Childcare Committee
Irish Traveller Movement
Department of Social and Family Affairs
Submissions were invited for consideration for inclusion in the new Programme. A total of 1
submission was received before the closing date for submissions of 8th October 2013.
This submission was received from the following:
Irish Traveller Movement
Another submission was received after the closing date.
Cena – Culturally Appropriate Home Ltd
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The contents of this submission have been noted and taken into consideration in the
preparation of the Draft Traveller Accommodation Programme 2014-2018.
Extensive Consultation has also taken place with the Sligo Traveller Support Group.
Meetings took place on 27th September 2013, 21st October 2013 and 4th November, 2013
and 6th December, 2013. Written submissions were sought from the STSG to obtain an up
to date position and supporting documentation on any families in need of accommodation, in
order to best be aware of the needs of families and settlements to be included in this
programme.
4. Assessment of Need/Projected Need
4.1 Assessment of Need
In accordance with Section 9 of the Housing Act 1988, as amended, and Section 6 of the
Housing (Traveller Accommodation) Act 1998, Sligo County Council/Sligo Borough Council
assessed and identified the accommodation needs of Traveller families to be met during the
period of this Programme, 1st January, 2014 to 31st December, 2018, including the need, if
any, for sites
This assessment relates to existing accommodation needs, and the projected need,
estimated to arise across the range of Traveller Accommodation options, including group and
standard housing, rental accommodation scheme, permanent residential sites for caravans
and transient sites. The Council is encouraging all forms of housing supply to be available to
meet the housing needs of the community.
The assessment of need is based on the following:
The Annual Count of Travellers recorded on Friday 29th November, 2013
Housing Needs Assessment as at 7th May 2013
Extensive consultation and cross referencing with Sligo Traveller Support Group.
Meetings with individual Traveller settlements and households
Review of Housing application files
Review of the needs of those already in accommodation
Cross checks with other agencies
Households in County Sligo by Accommodation Type & Location
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The numbers of households currently residing in the Council’s functional area, their location and accommodation type is set out in Table 1.
Table 1 Current Accommodation Position (November 2013)
Standard Local Authority
App Hsg Body
Living on Halting Sites
Sharing with Family
Unauthorised
Private Rented/RAS
Total
Sligo Borough Council
18 2
4 3 8
16 51
Sligo County Council
14 - 22
3 1
13 53
Total 32 2 26 6 9 29 104
The overall number of Traveller families has increased in Sligo since the assessment of need
which was carried out at the commencement of the last Traveller Accommodation
Programme. It is worth noting that, when compared with the same figures for the previous
Traveller Accommodation Programme, the Households living in Standard Local Authority
Accommodation / Voluntary Housing has increased by 7 while households living in private
rented accommodation have increased by 15. Figures for other categorisations have
remained consistent.
4.2. Assessment of the number of traveller families requiring accommodation during
the life of the Programme.
The Council is obliged to make an assessment of the number of Traveller households who
will require accommodation within the lifetime of the Traveller Accommodation Programme
2014–2018. In making this assessment, housing authorities must take into account existing
accommodation needs and projected need that will arise during the life of the Programme
over a range a range of accommodation options.
4.2.1 Projected Traveller accommodation need
In looking at the projected increase in Traveller population the figures from the Annual
Traveller Count are a key component. The figures in Table 2 below show that Sligo’s
Traveller population is increasing slightly over recent years but dipped in 2009. The figure
stood at 86 households in 2009 and increased to 113 in 2012. It is also noted that there is an
increasing trend for families to find housing solution in the private rented sector and it is
hoped that this trend can continue as it may be source of accommodating for new family
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formations which may be more deliverable and plentiful than the standard local authority
accommodation.
Table 2 - Analysis of Traveller Population in County Sligo - 2008-2012
Year 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
Accommodation Provided by L.A. or with L.A. Assistance 59 50 57 64 64
Sharing Housing 3 5 5 3 3 Own Resources 0 0 0 1 0 Private Rented 20 22 29 34 37 Roadside/Unauthorised Sites 9 9 10 9 9 Total 91 86 101 111 113
Another key component in projecting future need is an analysis of the numbers of family
formations likely to occur during the life of the Programme. A detailed analysis of the family
compositions of Traveller families was undertaken to establish the numbers of unmarried
population that are currently 18 years, and the additional number that will reach 18 during the
life of the Programme. The results are set out at Table 3, and give an insight to the potential
number of families forming. While it is noted that the numbers from the annual count
statistics, (in Table 2), show that the increase over the past 5 years in formation of Traveller
families has averaged around 4 families per year. However, based on this analysis of the
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
Total 91 86 101 111 113
0
15
30
45
60
75
90
105
120
Annual Count of Traveller Families in County Sligo between 2008 and 2012
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unmarried population, and following consultation with Sligo Traveller Support group in relation
to the likely numbers of family formations, it would seem reasonable to provide for an
increase of an average of 7 families per year over the lifetime of the Programme, totaling 35
families.
Table 3 Unmarried Traveller Population Figures
Sligo County Council:
OVER 18 IN 2013 (Single) Additional no's reaching 18
years during the life of plan
(2018)
Male Female Total: Male Female Total:
7 10 17 15 8 23
Sligo Borough Council:
OVER 18 IN 2013 (Single) Additional no's reaching 18
years during the life of plan
(2018)
Male Female Total: Male Female Total:
4 8 12 12 16 28
4.2.2 - Current Traveller Accommodation need
Tables 4 and 5, below, sets out the current position on housing need. The two separate
tables are required, to distinguish between those whose application for social housing have
been submitted and approved and those who have yet to submit complete applications for
approval. The Council recognises that a need exists in the later cases, and is satisfied to
include them in the assessment for the TAP requirements.
During November 2013 a detailed review of all these applications was undertaken. Table 4
shows that 30 households have had their housing needs assessed by Sligo County
Council/Sligo Borough Council, in accordance with the provisions of Section 20 of the Social
Housing Assessment Regulations. Of these 30 households:
17 are deemed to be adequately accommodated and the majority of the households
are residing in private rented accommodation with Rent Supplement or in RAS
contracts.
13 are assessed as having a housing need for reasons such as overcrowding, sharing
with family, or accommodation otherwise unsuitable.
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Table 4 - Summary of Assessment of Needs based on Applicants qualified for Social Housing Support.
Needs Based on Applicants Qualified for Social Housing Support
Number of Households whose needs have
been identified based on applicants qualified
for Social Housing Support
Households not accommodated by the LA but assessed as having a housing need 1
Households already accommodated by the LA but assessed as having a housing need due to a specific requirement
12
Households assessed but adequately accommodated at this time 17
Total Number of Qualified applicants for Social Housing Support 30
Sub-total needs assessed as having a housing need for reasons such as
overcrowding, sharing with family or accommodation otherwise unsuitable, to be
delivered in the life time of the Programme
13
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Consultation took place with the Sligo Traveller Support Group during October and
November, 2013. Written submissions were sought form the STSG to obtain up to date and
supporting documentation on any families in need of accommodation, in order to best be
aware of the needs of families and settlements to be included in this Programme. In
addition, site visits were made to existing traveller settlements and households. This
process fed into the projected estimated need for accommodation as set out at Table 5
Table 5 – Projected need based on surveys and consultations at November 2013
Projected Needs
Projected number of
Households whose needs
have been identified
Households with incomplete assessment but who have a housing need 16
New Household Formations over life time of plan, (Based on projections for previous plan (7 families for each year of the plan)). 35
Sub Total of Projected number of Households whose needs have been identified 51
Overall total of Traveller Accommodation needs to be provided in this Programme (Tables 4 & 5) 64
The level of need and the range of accommodation required will be kept under review on an
ongoing basis.
4.2.3 Transient Sites
The previous Traveller Accommodation Programme identified the need for two transient sites
by way of redevelopment of Alma Terrace into a four bay fully compliant serviced site and the
redevelopment of Cloonamahon site into a standard Transient Halting site. Both these
targets have been achieved. The need for Transient sites has been reviewed in accordance
with the requirements of Circular letter 26/2013 dated 2nd August, 2013 from the Department
of Environment, Community and Local Government. It has become apparent that the annual
pattern of movement of transient families into Sligo has changed significantly over the past
number of years. Over the life time of the previous plan there has not been a demonstrated
need for transient families to be catered for by way of Transient sites. This, coupled with the
fact that both sites have been occupied by indigenous families for long term
temporary/permanent accommodation, suggests that this flexible approach of using available
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facilities to meet the needs arising is a more appropriate use of these sites.Sligo Traveller
Support Group agree with this approach.
4.3 Accommodation Solutions to Meet Needs Identified
Based on the identified need and the accommodation choice of the families the following table
sets out to illustrate how the needs can be met by accommodation type sought.
Table 6 Accommodation type to meet identified need Accommodation Sought
Total:
Standard Local Authority Housing 5
Group Scheme and other types of accommodation 20
Serviced Site Accommodation
4
Total 29
Projected increase in number of Households
Private Rented & RAS
35
In dealing with the identified need over the lifetime of the Programme the Council is conscious
of certain limitations. The ability of the Council to provide local authority standard housing
continues to be negatively impacted by a number of factors including:
Suspension of the Housing Construction Programme nationally
Curtailment of Voluntary Housing Programmes
Limited larger family type accommodation available in LA stock
Limited availability of larger family type dwellings for purchase which would be required for
some of the family profiles involved
Estate Management issues
Refusal by families to accept offers of suitable sites or houses which would appear to
meet their needs.
Accordingly, while the accommodation choice is set out, the delivery may not necessarily be
met in this way and it is anticipated that the private rented sector will meet the needs of the
new family formations and perhaps some of the other identified needs, subject to what is
deliverable under standard funding options.
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5. Policy
Sligo County Council/Sligo Borough Council recognises Travellers’ identity as a minority
ethnic group, some of whom are nomadic. It is the policy of the Council to have meaningful
consultation, based on Department of the Environment, Community & Local Government
Guidelines, with Travellers and their representatives, about their accommodation needs, and
to provide, where appropriate, Traveller specific accommodation. There is, however, the
need to be realistic in the current climate of reduced budgets for capital provision.
A key objective of Sligo County Council/Sligo Borough Council is to develop the County in a
manner which contributes to the positive well being and quality of life for all citizens. Sligo
County Council/Sligo Borough Council endeavours to meet the needs of Travellers using the
range of accommodation options available to the Council, (subject to funding and approval),
including group and standard housing, long term leasing and rental accommodation schemes
as well as permanent residential halting sites. This provision takes place in consultation with
the Travelling community, the settled community and with the various other statutory and
voluntary agencies delivering services to Travellers, as required.
5.1 Travellers’ Distinct Needs
Recognising Travellers’ distinct culture and needs, Sligo County Council/Sligo Borough
Council has provided Traveller specific accommodation. The design of any future such
schemes will continue to reflect the needs of Travellers and will also take account of
technical, fire and public safety requirements. All accommodation provided will comply with
the directions and guidelines issued by the Department of the Environment, Community &
Local Government.
5.2 Long-Term Accommodation
The Council will have regard to the full range of housing options available in the provision of
long-term accommodation for Travellers including Standard lettings in Local Authority Estates,
Group Housing, Residential Halting Sites, Voluntary Housing, Rental Accommodation
Scheme (RAS). Applications for accommodation will be assessed, and reports requested,
from other Local Authorities and statutory agencies.
The Social Housing Assessment Regulations 2011 set out the manner in which a housing
authority will determine a household’s qualification for social housing support and the
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description and classification of its’ housing need. All applicants for social housing support
must be assessed in accordance with these Regulations.
Existing tenants of Sligo County Council/Sligo Borough Council accommodated in standard
local authority accommodation, Group Scheme Dwellings, Permanent Halting Site
accommodation or households accommodated in dwellings under the Rental Accommodation
Scheme or the Long-Term Leasing Scheme can apply for a transfer to alternative local
authority accommodation. Each transfer application will be assessed on its own merits
having regard to the particular household circumstances, and in accordance with the
Council’s Transfer Policy.
Where tenants surrender their existing local authority accommodation, other than in an
approved transfer situation, their tenancy will be terminated and they will no longer be eligible
for reassessment for inclusion on the Housing Waiting List and/or to access the Rent
Supplement Scheme for alternative private rented accommodation, on the basis that their
housing need has previously been addressed by the Local Authority. In any such
circumstances tenants will be informed of the serious implications of surrendering their
tenancy before a surrender of tenancy form will be accepted by Sligo County Council/Sligo
Borough Council. Where former tenants proceed to surrender their accommodation they will
be deemed responsible for meeting their accommodation needs from their own personal
resources. Ordinarily, former local authority tenants will not qualify for rent supplement from
the Department of Social Protection.
In the event that properties are abandoned by a tenant and the property is not occupied by
the household as their normal place of residence for extended periods of time, proceedings
will be initiated to recover possession of such properties and the properties will then be re-
allocated to qualified applicants on the Housing Waiting List, in accordance with the Council’s
Allocations Scheme.
5.6 Emergency Accommodation
Existing procedures for meeting emergency housing needs will continue to be used for
emergency Traveller housing needs. This may include sourcing temporary emergency
accommodation where a bona fide housing need has been established.
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5.8 Housing Allocation Policy
Traveller applicants will be considered in conjunction with all other eligible applicants for
suitable accommodation vacancies arising in accordance with the Council’s Allocation
Scheme.
5.9 Back Up Services and Support
A full time Caretaker is in place in the County/Borough areas and is available to visit and
assist all tenants of Traveller Accommodation in terms of routine matters of repair requests,
as well as other estate management issues.
The Traveller Liaison Officer post is currently vacant for over a year now and despite requests
to have this post refilled, this has not been possible, due to the Government approach to
refilling of vacant posts in the public service. The Housing Investigations officer has assisted
in the Traveller accommodation area where possible to fill the gap of the vacant post.
In the past year a Temporary post to deal with particular Traveller Projects has been put in
place to consider all of the Traveller settlement areas in the county, with a view to examining
and drawing up management plans and recommendations for the improved management of
the sites/accommodation areas.
In addition, Housing Department staff are available to deal with issues arising. New housing
applicants are assessed by the Housing Assessment Officer and information and advice is
available to applicants, as required, on the range of housing options available.
Mediation Services have been provided in Sligo over 2011/2012 to deal with the
accommodation needs of particular families.
On another site the Council engaged with Cluid Approved Housing Body to see what progress
could be made in reaching agreement with the families for resolution of housing issues and
eventual renovation and management of the site by Cluid. A series of meetings took place
with Cluid and representatives of the families, the Sligo Traveller Support Group and the
Council.
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5.10 Inter-Agency Approach
It is the policy of Sligo County Council/Sligo Borough Council to adopt an inter-agency
approach in the provision of services and accommodation to Travellers. This approach is
critical, particularly in relation to addressing any special needs accommodation and support
requirements. The HSE Public Health and Occupational Therapy services are central to this
process.
6. Strategy Statement
6.1 Implementing Authority
Sligo County Council/Sligo Borough Council is the authority responsible for implementing the
Traveller Accommodation Programme. The Council co-operates and co-ordinates with other
agencies and adjoining authorities to meet the accommodation needs of Travellers. In
particular, a number of groups have an important role to play in securing the implementation
of the Programme including:-
Sligo Traveller Support Group
Local Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee
Adjoining Housing Authorities
Health Service Executive West
Department of Education and Science
Relevant members of Sligo County Council and Sligo Borough Council
Sligo Leader Partnership Company
Probation and Welfare Service
An Garda Siochana
FAS
Sligo VEC
Sligo County Childcare Committee
Irish Traveller Movement
Department of Social Protection
Voluntary Housing Bodies
It will be the responsibility of Sligo County Council/Sligo Borough Council to seek the co-
operation of the above groups to ensure the implementation of the Programme. Progress in
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relation to the Plan will be monitored by the Local Traveller Accommodation Consultative
Committee.
6.2 County Development Plan
Provisions contained in the Sligo & Environs Development Plan 2010 - 2016 are sufficient to
realise the Traveller accommodation objectives set out in the Traveller Accommodation
Programme 2014 – 2018.
6.3 Development of Proposals /Implementation of Programme
Where new accommodation is being provided directly by Sligo County Council/Sligo Borough
Council the accommodation proposal will be subjected to a local consultation process with
Travellers and the Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee, consultation and
approval by the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government and
adherence to requirements of the Part VIII Planning Procedure.
The Council will endeavour to avail of the full range of housing options available, having
regard to expressed accommodation preferences and working within the existing budgetary
constraints on capital funding. In relation to standard housing, the need will be met, having
regard to the cessation of the Housing Construction Programme, through casual vacancies
arising in existing local authority housing stock and possibly, subject to resources, a limited
number of acquisitions. The Long Term Leasing Scheme, Rental Accommodation Scheme
(RAS) and Housing Assistance Payment (HAP), once operational, will also be utilised as a
means of addressing long term housing needs.
It is acknowledged that there are issues arising in relation to the availability of private rented
accommodation. Assistance will be given to Approved Housing Bodies in the provision of
Traveller Accommodation through the available voluntary housing funding channels. It is
considered that there is potential for this approach to result in increased supply of suitable
accommodation.
The Council, as outlined above, has initiated relationships with the Voluntary sector in the
potential delivery of the Programme and will hope to build on this in the life time of this
Programme.
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6.4 Financial Resources
This area is currently under substantial challenge and will be a major factor in the success, or
otherwise, of the delivery of this Programme. The funding provided for new social housing
has practically grinded to a halt in recent years and the budget for Traveller accommodation,
as a percentage of this, will not in any way fund the demands of this Programme. The
successful implementation of the Traveller Accommodation Programme 2014 – 2018 will be
dependent on reasonable expectations and the provision of funding from the Department of
the Environment, Community and Local Government.
It will be a matter for the Local Authority, (in consultation with other relevant bodies), to
prioritise, in accordance with most acute needs, the measures in this Programme, as the
reality is that it will not be possible to deal with the full need as set out in the life time of this
Programme.
6.5 Management and Maintenance of Accommodation
The effective management and maintenance of accommodation is crucial. Traveller
accommodation will be managed on the same basis as all other housing stock. Sligo County
Council/Sligo Borough Council will endeavour to ensure maximum tenant participation to
manage and maintain accommodation schemes to a high standard. The Council may
consider the use of the Voluntary sector to assist with the management and maintenance of
Traveller accommodation.
Serious problems have arisen in the past in relation to illegal dumping of waste, and the
Council, at great cost, were required to carry out major ‘clean ups’ to address health and
safety issues arising. It must be accepted by all parties that accommodation brings
responsibility which must be shared by all parties as relevant.
6.6 Unauthorised Encampments
Sligo County Council/Sligo Borough Council in their role as Planning Authority and as
Sanitary Authority cannot tolerate unauthorised encampments. Sligo County Council and
Sligo Borough Council will initiate legal proceedings in relation to any unauthorised
encampments taking into consideration public health, traffic hazard, loss of amenity, or where
private, commercial or residential interests are been infringed upon, or in the case where the
completion of essential public works are being affected. While all consideration will be given
to the rights and well-being of Traveller families, Sligo County Council/Sligo Borough Council
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will have to instigate enforcement action through the Courts, where necessary, which may
result in the removal of all unauthorised sites.
The Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Acts 2002, which amends the Criminal Justice
(Public Order) Act 1994, deals with the matter of trespass. Enforcement of this legislation is
dealt with by the Gardai
6.7 Anti Social Behaviour
Sligo Borough Council/Sligo County Council, have adopted the Anti Social Behaviour Strategy 2011 – 2015 which applies to all forms of accommodation provided by and managed by the Council. The Council’s mission Statement in relation to Anti-Social Behaviour is:
“To investigate all complaints fairly, impartially and objectively, to provide a modern and professional service to those of our tenants who are victims of Anti-social behaviour and to work towards the elimination of Anti-social behaviour in all council estates and council tenancies.” Where possible ever effort with be made by Sligo County Council and Sligo Borough Council to uphold the ethos of The Delivering Homes, Sustaining Communities framework document: “Sustainable communities are places where people want to live and work, now and in the future. They meet the diverse needs of existing and future residents, are sensitive to their environment, and contribute to a high quality of life. They are safe and inclusive, well planned, built and run, and offer equality of opportunity and good services for all.”
7. Measures for Implementation
Progress on the implementation of the Traveller Accommodation Programme will be reviewed
and monitored by:-
o Local Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee
o Housing Strategic Policy Committee, as necessary
o Sligo Traveller Support Group
o The Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government
7.1 Targets for delivery 2014-2018
Under Circular TAU 26/2013, of 2nd August, 2013, the Minister directs that implementation
targets must be realistic and achievable. He also directs that annual implementation targets
be included in the Programme.
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The Minister also outlines that Programmes should be prepared with consideration given to
the significant decline in funding for the Housing Capital Programme, which has had
substantial implications for the Traveller-specific budget and also the general social housing
budget, under which accommodation for travellers is also provided.
As outlined above, the Identified Need over the period of this Accommodation Programme is 64 Households, broken down as follows: Table 7 Accommodation type to meet identified need
Accommodation Sought
Total:
Standard Local Authority Housing
5
Group Scheme & other types of accommodation 20
Serviced Site Accommodation
4
Total 29
Projected increase in number of Households
Private Rented & RAS 35 Overall total of Traveller Accommodation needs to be provided in this Programme (Tables 4 & 5)
64
In line with the requirements of the Traveller Accommodation Act, 1998, the targets and time
frames for meeting this identified need, over the period 2014 to 2018, is set out in Table 8
below:
Table 8 – Targets for Delivery – 2014-2018
Accommodation Type 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 Total
Group Housing Scheme/halting sites
- 7
4
11
Specific Purchases 1 3
1
2 7
Upgrade of Existing facilities / Serviced
sites
4 4
Local Authority Standard Tenancy
4 1 5
Rental Accommodation Scheme/other
private rented
7 7 7 7 7 35
Voluntary Housing 2 2
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Total 64
Total to be actioned by LA by way of
projects in Programme
29
The delivery of outputs under the Private Rented & Rental Accommodation Scheme is
dependent on units being available in the private housing market and the willingness of the
landlord/agent to engage in these Schemes. Given the extent of need in the Sligo Area and
Environs, households may have to consider a broader range of locations, to meet their
accommodation needs.
Specific Measures
Connaughton Road
Sourcing and agreeing accommodation for the families’ resident at Connaughton Rd Car Park
is a key objective of this Programme, given their long standing need. While efforts have been
made in the past, including extensive mediation to reach agreement on an acceptable solution
to the accommodations needs of these families, the desired outcome was not achieved.
During the lifetime of this Programme, consultation will recommence with a view of the Council
to achieving an agreeable solution.
Balladrehid
A project is currently under way to provide accommodation for the family resident at this
location and will be completed in first year of this Programme.
Ballyfree
The Council will continue consultation with the families resident on this site, which commenced
in 2012, to progress, with an agreed strategy, to lead to the reduction of overcrowding on this
site. This will involve the provision of a proposed group housing scheme in Collooney or the
surrounding area and additional accommodation by way of another group scheme and/or
standard local authority accommodation at various locations. When the overcrowding
situation has been relieved it is proposed that the refurbishment of the site will be undertaken
and given priority in the future.
Glenview Park
The Council will redevelop this site during the term of this Plan and will endeavour to enlarge
the site and provide more suitable accommodation for permanent families that are
accommodated on the site.
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Sligo County Council Traveller Accommodation Programme 2014 – 2018 April 2014
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Cloonamahon
While this site was provided to deal with the needs of transient families it is now occupied by
families with medium to long term housing needs, and as such, it is proposed in the life time of
this Programme to upgrade the facilities on the site to meet this need.
Sites at Bundoran Rd, Finisklin and Cleveragh
The previous Traveller Accommodation Programme identified sites at these locations as
possible solutions for siting of traveller accommodation. These three sites have the
appropriate objective for Traveller Accommodation in the Sligo & Environs Development Plan
2010 – 2016. It is proposed to retain these sites for such as they may provide a solution for
accommodation during the lifetime of this or future Programmes.
The Council will continue to provide accommodation for traveller families though a broad range
of social housing measures available to them.
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8. Conclusion
Sligo County Council/Sligo Borough Council acknowledges the co-operation of local
Travellers, the Sligo Traveller Support Group, and the Local Traveller Accommodation
Consultative Committee in assisting the Council in the preparation of this Traveller
Accommodation Programme.
The targets set out in this Programme have been developed having regard to the existing and
projected need for Traveller accommodation. The delivery of this Programme requires a
commitment from all stakeholders to work together and is also dependent on the availability of
necessary funding.
The successful implementation of the Traveller Accommodation Programme 2014 – 2018 will
be dependent on reasonable expectations and the provision of funding from the Department
of the Environment, Community and Local Government.
The Council recognises that the provision of appropriate associated supports is also a critical
factor in ensuring that the accommodation solutions delivered for individual families are
successful. We will continue to work closely with Travellers, their representatives, the Local
Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee, Traveller Support Groups, and other
relevant agencies in this regard. We will also continue to actively seek, in conjunction with
other agencies, as appropriate, to identify and access potential funding opportunities to
progress initiatives in relation to Traveller development, support and integration.
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Appendix 1 – updated November 2015
Membership of the Sligo Local Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee
The current Membership of the Sligo Local Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee
(as at November 2015) is as follows:
Chairperson – Cllr Martin Baker – elected representative
Elected representatives-
Representative of Sligo County Council
Cllr Seamus Kilgannon
Cllr Sinead Maguire
Cllr Gino O’Boyle
Representatives of the Travelling Community-
Representative
Alternate
Bernadette Maughan Sligo Traveller Support Group
Sligo Traveller Support Group
Mrs Rose Ward
Ms Kathleen Stokes
Mrs Mary McGinley
Ms Lisa McGinley
Mr Bernard Ward
To be confirmed
Officials of Sligo County Council – 4 to attend from below
Sligo County Council Housing Section Staff
Mr Bartley Gavin, A/Director Of Services
Mr Joe Murphy, Senior Executive Officer
Mr Michael Ryan , Senior Executive Engineer
Mr Joe Gethin, Housing Officer,
Ms Orlagh Campbell, A/Housing Officer
Ms Pamela Andison, convenor/ minute taker Traveller Projects Officer