Traveller Accommodation Programme 2014–2018

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

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 24 Consultative Committee

1. Introduction 1.1 Housing (Traveller Accommodation) Act 1998

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Sligo County Council Traveller Accommodation Programme 2014 – 2018 April 2014

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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Sligo County Council Traveller Accommodation Programme 2014 – 2018 April 2014

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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Sligo County Council Traveller Accommodation Programme 2014 – 2018 April 2014

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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Sligo County Council Traveller Accommodation Programme 2014 – 2018 April 2014

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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Sligo County Council Traveller Accommodation Programme 2014 – 2018 April 2014

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 App Living on Sharing Local Hsg Halting with Authority Body Sites Family Unauthorised Sligo 18 2 4 3 8 Borough Council Sligo 14 22 3 1 County Council Total 32 2 26 6 9

Private Rented /RAS 16

Total 51

13

53

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 Page | 7

Sligo County Council Traveller Accommodation Programme 2014 – 2018 April 2014

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 Accommodation Provided by L.A. or with L.A. Assistance Sharing Housing Own Resources Private Rented Roadside/Unauthorised Sites Total

2008 2009 2010 59 3 0 20 9 91

50 5 0 22 9 86

2011

2012

64 3 1 34 9 111

64 3 0 37 9 113

57 5 0 29 10 101

Annual Count of Traveller Families in County Sligo between 2008 and 2012 120 105 90 75 60 45 30 15 0 Total

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

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 Page | 8

Sligo County Council Traveller Accommodation Programme 2014 – 2018 April 2014

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 OVER 18 IN 2013 (Single) Sligo County Council: Male 7

Female 10

Total: 17

OVER 18 IN 2013 (Single) Sligo Borough Council: Male 4

Female 8

Total: 12

Additional no's reaching 18 years during the life of plan (2018) Male Female Total: 15 8 23 Additional no's reaching 18 years during the life of plan (2018) Male Female Total: 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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Sligo County Council Traveller Accommodation Programme 2014 – 2018 April 2014

Table 4 - Summary of Assessment of Needs based on Applicants qualified for Social Housing Support.

Needs Based on Applicants Qualified for Social Housing Support

Households not accommodated by the LA but assessed as having a housing need

Number of Households whose needs have been identified based on applicants qualified for Social Housing Support 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 Sub-total needs assessed as having a housing need for reasons such as

30

overcrowding, sharing with family or accommodation otherwise unsuitable, to be delivered in the life time of the Programme 13

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Sligo County Council Traveller Accommodation Programme 2014 – 2018 April 2014

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 Overall total of Traveller Accommodation needs to be provided in this Programme (Tables 4 & 5)

51

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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Sligo County Council Traveller Accommodation Programme 2014 – 2018 April 2014

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 Total:

Accommodation Sought 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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Sligo County Council Traveller Accommodation Programme 2014 – 2018 April 2014

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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Sligo County Council Traveller Accommodation Programme 2014 – 2018 April 2014

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 reallocated 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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Sligo County Council Traveller Accommodation Programme 2014 – 2018 April 2014

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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Sligo County Council Traveller Accommodation Programme 2014 – 2018 April 2014

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 cooperation of the above groups to ensure the implementation of the Programme.

Progress in

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Sligo County Council Traveller Accommodation Programme 2014 – 2018 April 2014

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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Sligo County Council Traveller Accommodation Programme 2014 – 2018 April 2014

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 Page | 18

Sligo County Council Traveller Accommodation Programme 2014 – 2018 April 2014

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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Sligo County Council Traveller Accommodation Programme 2014 – 2018 April 2014

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 Total:

Accommodation Sought 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 Overall total of Traveller Accommodation needs to be provided in this Programme (Tables 4 & 5)

35

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

-

7

4

Specific Purchases

1

3

Upgrade of Existing facilities / Serviced

4

4

5

Group Housing Scheme/halting sites

2017

2018

Total 11

1

2

7

sites Local Authority Standard Tenancy

4

1

Rental Accommodation Scheme/other

7

7

7

7

7

35

private rented Voluntary Housing

2

2

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Sligo County Council Traveller Accommodation Programme 2014 – 2018 April 2014

Total

64

Total to be actioned by LA by way of

29

projects in Programme

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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Sligo County Council Traveller Accommodation Programme 2014 – 2018 April 2014

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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Sligo County Council Traveller Accommodation Programme 2014 – 2018 April 2014

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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Sligo County Council Traveller Accommodation Programme 2014 – 2018 April 2014

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 representativesRepresentative of Sligo County Council Cllr Seamus Kilgannon Cllr Sinead Maguire Cllr Gino O’Boyle Representatives of the Travelling CommunityRepresentative

Alternate

Bernadette Maughan Sligo Traveller Support Group Mrs Rose Ward

Sligo Traveller Support Group

Mrs Mary McGinley

Ms Lisa McGinley

Mr Bernard Ward

To be confirmed

Ms Kathleen Stokes

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

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