Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 20 January 2022
222. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when it is intended to roll-out the caravan loan scheme for Travellers nationwide in view of the high number of substandard units around the country which causes particular hardship at this time of year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2784/22]
View answerMy Department sought and received sanction from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform to roll out a pilot Caravan Loan Scheme to improve access to traditional Traveller-specific accommodation options for Traveller families.
Following consultation with stakeholders, including the local authorities, the National Traveller MABS and Traveller representative organisations, a pilot scheme was designed and commenced by my Department in July of 2021 for a trial period of 6 months. The participating local authorities are Cork City Council, Dublin City Council, South Dublin County Council and Limerick City and County Council.
My Department will now review the operation of the pilot scheme with input from the local authorities and other stakeholders. A report will be prepared for the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and options for the expansion of the pilot scheme will be considered at the conclusion of this process.
