My 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.