Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 275: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on correspondence from Louth County Council regarding funding for projects to relieve homelessness; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39745/06]

Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

My Department recently received a letter dated 14 November 2006 from Louth County Council which referred to concerns raised a meeting of the Louth Homelessness Forum on 3 October 2006 in relation to funding for homeless projects. My Department recoups to local authorities 90% of their approved expenditure on the provision of accommodation and related services for homeless persons in accordance with the provisions of Section 10 of the Housing Act 1988.

As regards the two specific cases referred to in the correspondence, my Department has in fact notified the local authorities concerned of increased funding. One related to an expansion of homeless services provided by the Simon Community in Dundalk. Approval for additional funding for these services in 2006 was notified to Dundalk Town Council in a letter from my Department dated 10 October 2006. This approval represented a significant increase in funding for these services by the Department from €114,300 in 2005 to €215,838 in 2006.

The second case related to additional funding sought by Drogheda Borough Council. Approval to increased funding for the Drogheda Women's Refuge issued from my Department to the Council on 29 June 2006 — this approval involved an increase in Departmental funding from €23,564 in 2005 to €24,097 in 2006.

Issues relating to funding will be considered as part of the preparation of the revised Government Strategy on Homelessness, which is currently under way, having regard to the recommendations of the Independent Review of Implementation of Homeless Strategies.