‘Totally untrue’ halting site going on vacant area
By Maurice Garvey
DUBLIN City Council contacted a number of residents on the Nass Road, to quell rumours that a halting site was to be erected at a vacant lot adjacent to a timber cabins business, as “totally untrue” and a “misrepresentation of facts.”
According to the city council, the site is ready for occupation “should the need arise” to isolate Travellers during the Covid-19 crisis.
The vacant site on the Naas Road
Asked by The Echo how many people will be housed at the site, Dublin City Council said the “absolute maximum” allowed on the site is six caravans or mobile homes.
“This is determined on whether it is an individual or a family that needs self-isolation. The maximum stay on site is three weeks as per HSE guidelines.”
Residents in the area expressed concerns regarding social distancing and the timing of the development during Covid-19, should a mooted six mobile homes be fitted on the site.
The plot was recently cleared, with a hard standing put in place and a connection to the local water supply.
“However, given the supports already in place to assist with self-isolation at home, it is not envisaged that this site will be utilised,” said the city council.
Prospective residents would be Travellers from the south side of Dublin city under the remit of the city council.
Long term plans for the site are to build three standard houses that will be allocated to Traveller families in crisis under the Scheme of Lettings 2018.
A letter was sent out to residents on May 1, cited Circular 06-2020 Traveller Accommodation Support Unit dated March 18, 2020, from the Housing dept, which provides conditions for mobile supports where necessary.
The legal basis for these measures is the Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (Covid-19) Act 2020.
According to the city council, no planning permission is required for this action, and the site will remain for the duration of the Covid-19 emergency at which time it will revert to its former proposed purpose.
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