The excellent work of the Donegal Local Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee was highlighted at a meeting of the committee last week.
On a day when Hugh Friel from Donegal Travellers Project became the first Traveller in the county to chair the committee, the commitment to implement seven specific Traveller accommodation projects in Donegal in 2017 was welcomed.
Joe Peoples, Director of Housing & Corporate Services in Donegal County Council and member of the Donegal Local Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee (LTACC) acknowledged the work and role played by the LTACC in delivering improved Traveller-specific accommodation throughout Donegal.
“The importance of collaboration between the elected representatives, Council officials and Traveller representatives on the committee has been a critical factor in the success of the work of the committee. We are seeking to deliver seven specific Traveller accommodation projects in 2017 at an overall spend in excess of €500,000. Several projects are nearing completion and it is envisaged that all seven projects will be concluded in 2017. This is very significant work and a significant budget has been committed to improving Traveller accommodation in the county”.
Mr. Peoples also congratulated Hugh Friel on his appointment as chair of the committee saying “I would also like to congratulate Mr. Friel in his new role as Chairperson of the LTACC and look forward to continuing the great work of the committee for the remainder of the current Traveller Accommodation Programme”.
Hugh Friel expressed his delight at being appointed chair of the LTACC in Donegal saying “it was a very proud day for me and for my community to be the first Traveller in this county to take the position of chairperson of the Local Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee. I welcome the opportunity and the challenges that this committee will face in the lifetime of the programme. As the 1998 Act states, it places a statutory obligation on Local Authorities to develop Traveller Accommodation Programmes to include halting sites, group housing and transient sites. I would also like to take this opportunity thank the Donegal County Council and the Councillors in their efforts towards building a better future for Traveller culturally appropriate accommodation in Donegal”.
“I would also like to thank the Traveller community in Donegal for the patience and support that they have given in what has been very difficult times for the community. As Chairperson I will continue to work with the LTACC to ensure that we implement the Traveller Accommodation Programme and work with all stakeholders in this county to address the needs of the Traveller community”.
The LTACC meeting also acknowledged the contribution made to Traveller accommodation in Donegal by the recently retired Councillor, Mick Quinn. Councillor Quinn was a member of the Donegal LTACC for the past number of years and best wishes were extended to Councillor Quinn and his family following the announcement of his retirement.