Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 March 2026
338. Deputy George Lawlor asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for an update on the position regarding a recommendation made by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on issues affecting the Travelling community (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21146/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra339. Deputy George Lawlor asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for an update on the position regarding a recommendation made by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on issues affecting the Travelling community (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21147/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra340. Deputy George Lawlor asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for an update on the position regarding a recommendation made by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on issues affecting the Travelling community (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21148/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 338, 339 and 340 together.
The Housing (Traveller Accommodation) Act, 1998 provides that local authorities have statutory responsibility for the assessment of the accommodation needs of Travellers and the preparation, adoption and implementation of multi-annual Traveller Accommodation Programmes (TAPs) in their areas in order to meet the identified accommodation need.
The role of my Department is to ensure that there are adequate structures and supports in place to assist the authorities in providing such accommodation, including a national framework of policy, legislation and funding.
The new Caravan Loan Scheme (CLS) launched in December 2024 and allows local authorities to offer preferential discounted loans to Travellers to purchase a caravan or trailer for use as their primary residence on official halting sites. In 2025, exchequer funding of €4.2 million supported the provision of 85 caravans/trailers with similar levels of funding expected to be allocated annually subject to the annual budgetary and estimates process.
In addition to the funding provided under the loan scheme, my Department provides separate capital funding for reasonable installation costs to ensure the provision of necessary certified services and installation of units that meet the required standards. This includes the provision of funding for any necessary fire safety and civil works required to ensure that units are installed to appropriate standards.
The scheme requires that applicants contribute a €500 deposit towards the purchase price of the caravan/trailer as part of the loan agreement. Recognising that some applicants may face financial hardship, local authorities have discretion to waive this requirement where appropriate. This flexibility is intended to ensure that the scheme remains accessible for eligible applicants.
Residential Specification BS 3632 is British Standard industry norm for permanent residence mobile homes and gives guidance on thermal insulation, materials, equipment, etc. used to build and insulate caravans for permanent residence. Under the CLS local authorities are responsible for confirming that the caravan/trailer meet the appropriate standards with reference to BS 3632.
My Department continues to work closely with local authorities to support the effective implementation of the scheme and to ensure that appropriate accommodation options are available to Traveller families.
