term housing requirement. Through RAS, private rental properties offer an additional supply of quality housing for those who meet the eligibility criteria. Housing Assistance Payment (HAP): The Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) is a social housing support offered by all Local Authorities. Through HAP, authorities provide housing assistance to households with a long-term housing need, including those who qualify for long- term Rent Supplement. HAP streamlines the existing social housing system and allows participants who secure full-time employment to remain in the scheme. Once approved, the Local Authority makes monthly rent payments to the landlord on behalf of the tenant, subject to specific rent limits and conditions. In return, tenants contribute towards their rent based on household income, calculated similarly to rents charged for local authority-owned housing.
and welfare amenities such as water, sanitation and electricity. Living conditions within these unauthorised sites are challenging for residents and pose significant health and safety risks. There are two unauthorised halting sites in Cork City, namely at Corkeran’s Quay and Nash’s Boreen . Caravan Loan Scheme Cork City Council has been part of the National Caravan Loans Scheme since 2021 and has administered 32 loans to members of the Traveller Community. These loans are for the purchase of a residential mobile/trailer for Travellers residing in halting sites in Cork City Council’s administrative area. The scheme has been beneficial in giving families an option of purchasing their own mobile home on a preferential loan basis.
Traveller Specific Housing Traveller Group Housing Schemes
A Group Housing Scheme generally involves a housing development tailored for members of the Traveller Community. These schemes often accommodate families from the same family or those deemed compatible for communal living. At present, the Council currently oversees three group housing schemes: St. Anthony's Park in Hollyhill, Meelagh in Mahon and Hazelwood Grove on the Kinsale Road. Halting Sites A Halting Site is a facility specifically designed with designated bays to house mobile homes or caravans permanently. Each bay includes an individual or shared welfare unit offering cooking and washing amenities. The Council currently operates two halting sites: Carrigrohane Road Halting Site and Spring Lane Halting Site. Unauthorised Halting Sites An unauthorised halting site is a location where Travellers set up temporary and/or semi- permanent accommodation without the necessary permissions from a Local Authority. These sites typically lack access to basic services
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Cork City Council | Traveller Accommodation Programme 2025-2029
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