Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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111. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to delays in the development of a group home for women with physical and sensory disabilities at Drummond Otra, Carrickmacross, County Monaghan, which is to be developed by Respond Housing Association; if he will ensure these delays are minimised; if his Department will release additional funding towards this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53283/13]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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My Department’s Capital Assistance Scheme (CAS) provides funding to approved housing bodies of up to 100% of the approved costs of accommodation for people with specific categories of housing need, including people with a disability. My Department’s involvement with the CAS relates primarily to the provision of funds for individual projects. The detailed administration of the scheme, the certification that projects comply with the terms and conditions of the scheme and the processing of applications for funding are the responsibility of the relevant local authority, in this case Monaghan County Council.

In April 2013, my Department approved funding of €900,000 under the CAS for the provision of a group home for people with physical and sensory disabilities at Convent Lands, Carrickmacross. On 2 December 2013, Monaghan County Council submitted a tender report for the project showing a substantial increase in construction cost compared to the initial cost plan prepared by the council and requesting approval for an all-in cost of €1.378 million. Considering that the cost has increased by over 50%, it will be necessary to carry out a value-for-money appraisal of this project before a decision on funding can be made.