Housing issues, including the refurbishment of a halting site in Rhebogue, were top of this week's council agenda yet again as heated exchanges threatened to disrupt proceedings.

While the minutes of the budget were being referred to, Cllr Kieran O'Hanlon said that it had come to his attention that this year's housing estimates had included plans to refurbish a halting site at Rhebogue.

The budget said that "remedial works" will include the refurbishment of six houses "in early 2008". Cllr O'Hanlon said that the site "has been a failure" for reasons including the fact that the council "failed to manage the site" correctly by enforcing agreements such as a ban on horses and caravans.

He added that the houses had been built, knocked and re-built already and another refurbishment would be a "waste of taxpayers' money".

"The area has changed a lot in the last few years and over 2,000 people live there now," he said. He said that there was a lack of communication with ward councillors about the matter and suggested a meeting between council officials, councillors and residents.

Cllr John Gilligan said that he "wouldn't go along with" Cllr O'Hanlon's comments because they singled out travellers as a "major problem in an area".

Cllr O'Hanlon asked his colleague to withdraw the comments because he did not single out any family or group but simply pointed out that the site itself was a problem.

It was agreed that tenders for the site would not be put out until all relevant parties met. Meanwhile, the issue of when the regeneration of St Mary's Park would be taken over by the regeneration agencies was also raised.

Cllr Gerry McLoughlin said that he knows a number of people who are "living in fear" and overcrowded conditions and have to wait years for housing transfers and he accused the housing department of "paying lip service" to the issue.

Director of Service Kieran Lehane said that allocations are made "strictly on the basis of need" and the councillor's suggestion was "very damaging".

"Over 200 houses were allocated by the housing department in 2007 so I wouldn't accept that comment," he added.

At the council meeting, Mr Lehane also said that it is hoped that residents in the flats in Hyde Road will be moved out as soon as possible—hopefully by the end of 2008.

Residents attended a previous meeting in protest at having to live in the flats after being told four years ago that the buildings are not up to fire standards.

The first phase of the new Vizes Court development—due for completion in March—will accommodate some elderly residents but at least 10 allocations will still be needed.

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