Ms Denise Doyle:

On the queries about carbon loans, we were issued with eight loans from the Department of housing in 2023. We completed an assessment of everyone on our waiting list. We photographed the mobiles they had at the time and, based on the criteria, we split them into two categories between the caravan loan scheme and the emergency grant. We were able to accommodate nine through the emergency grant based on the qualifying criteria, and the eight loans we received in the first round were allocated based on the criteria for the loans. We actually only had four on the waiting list who did not qualify due to arrears. We have retained them on the waiting list for review again in 2024. This has also allowed them to enter into a repayment agreement, which will be well established by the time the new loan scheme is issued this year.

On the lifespan, the €40,000 that is currently in place really is only sufficient for a second-hand mobile. We are finding that, on average, the lifespan of a second-hand mobile is between five and eight years. For the size of the families we have in our jurisdiction, we estimate that the value of the loan would need to be between €80,000 and €120,000 to adequately accommodate their needs. This would include installation fees and the installation of steps for safe access to the mobiles. The provision of the steps is not currently included in the loan amount and it is a significant cost. We have been advised through fire safety that they must be steel steps, so the fabrication costs start at €8,000 upwards, depending on the size. Therefore, we would welcome a full review of the current loan scheme and an extension of the amount available.

We have completed an assessment of needs on two of our sites in respect of mobile homes because we are planning redevelopment on those sites and some families want to retain the mobile homes. We are aware of what is needed on our sites. Unfortunately, as it stands, the current value of the loan is not sufficient for a number of our families as they are larger families.

The view of what constitutes a mobile home needs to be reviewed as well in terms of the guidelines of the loan. A number of our families would be looking more for what is termed to be a chalet rather than a traditional mobile home on wheels, so even the definition of the mobile home should be reviewed.

My colleague will comment on Labre Park.