Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 731: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he will implement the changes to the grant schemes for older people and people with disabilities as outlined in the Delivering Homes, Sustaining Communities policy document; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16674/07]

Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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Question 771: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when details of the new disabled persons grant scheme will be announced. [17566/07]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 731 and 771 together.

It is expected that the revised housing adaptation grant schemes for older people and people with a disability will come into operation during 2007. The existing Disabled Persons, Essential Repairs and Special Housing Aid for the Elderly grant schemes will continue to operate until the new schemes become effective.

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 732: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the status of an application (details supplied); when a decision will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16690/07]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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This Department administers a Civic Structures Conservation scheme of grants for the restoration and conservation of buildings of significant architectural heritage merit and which are in public ownership or open to the public generally. The deadline for completed applications was 29 March 2007, and 186 applications for over €7m in total were received. Having regard to the available funding of €1.6m, grant offers were made in respect of 86 of these applications. All applicants have been notified of the outcome in respect of their project. It is intended that this scheme will be an annual scheme so it will be open to the project to submit an application next year.

This Department also funds a scheme of grants for the conservation of protected buildings, which is administered by the local authorities. It is a matter for each individual local authority to assess and prioritise applications and approve funding. The scheme is aimed at assisting owners and occupiers to carry out conservation works on structures of architectural significance in the Record of Protected Structures which the Local Authority has listed under the Planning and Development Act 2000. Enquiries about this scheme should be made directly to the relevant local authority.