A SENIOR member of Clare County Council expressed concern yesterday over the council spending almost €500,000 per family to house six Traveller families in a group scheme in Ennis.
In response to a Freedom of Information (FOI) request, the council confirmed the cost of constructing six Traveller homes at Knockanean is almost €3 million. The figures show that the cost of the scheme is €2.862 million, with the cost of housing each family at €477,000.
The council confirmed the purchase cost for the site was €1.16 million, while the build contract for the six homes was €1.489 million, with technical fees/salaries for the project costing €190,488. The recently appointed chairman of the council’s traveller accommodation advisory committee, Cllr Brian Meaney (Greens), expressed his concern yesterday. He said: “The costs are extremely high given the number of units.”
One of the new residents and father of five, Patrick Mongans, said yesterday: “This is absolute luxury and paradise for us.” Mr Mongans confirmed that the rent is €45 per week, which includes refuse collection. Prior to moving into the new four-bedroom home, Mr Mongans said he and his family lived in a caravan in an emergency halting site.
The council also confirmed that the Glen North Traveller scheme on the Ennis Road has cost €2 million, or over €330,000 per family, with the Ballymacraven housing scheme costing €1.2 million.
