Sorca Clarke
Ceist:509. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide an update on the proposed works at Blackberry Lanes, Athlone, County Westmeath. [33873/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 24 June 2025
Ceisteanna (509)
Freagraí scríofa
The Housing (Traveller Accommodation) Act 1998 provides that the role of my Department is to ensure that there are adequate structures and supports in place to assist housing authorities in providing accommodation for Travellers, including a national framework of policy, legislation and funding.
The Act provides that housing authorities have statutory responsibility for the assessment of the accommodation needs of Travellers and the preparation, adoption and implementation of multi-annual Traveller Accommodation Programmes (TAPs) in their areas.
My Department is committed to supporting Westmeath County Council in the redevelopment of Blackberry Lane. In May 2023, my Department issued Stage 2 approval for the extensive redevelopment of the Blackberry Lane site with an overall recommended budget of €16.1 million. This proposal included the construction of 41 new houses for the families on site and the associated site development works.
My Department continues to support the Council in advancing the project, with a view to delivering high-quality, sustainable accommodation for the residents of the site. Details on updated plans in advancing this project are a matter for the local authority and therefore may be available directly from Westmeath County Council.