James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 466: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will confirm the inadequate level of local government funding which has led to persons (details supplied) in County Longford being told that their application for a housing grant is not being awarded due to the fact that the 2008 funding to the local authority has been exhausted and the 2009 funding has also been fully exhausted in advance of the new year's commencement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42376/08]

Michael Finneran (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
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The Housing Adaptation Grant Schemes for Older People and People with a Disability are funded by 80% recoupment available from my Department together with 20% contribution from the resources of the local authority. In May 2008, my Department made a combined capital allocation of €638,820 to Longford County Council for the operation of the Housing Adaptation Grant Schemes for Older People and People with a Disability. It is a matter for local authorities to decide on the specific level of funding to be directed towards each of the schemes, from within the combined allocation notified to them by my Department, and to manage the operation of the schemes in their areas from within this allocation.

In light of the high level of activity experienced by Longford County Council in respect of the grant schemes in 2008, my Department made a supplementary allocation of €100,000, in October, for the operation of the schemes this year. My Department is currently liaising with all local authorities regarding their funding requirements under the schemes next year, with a view to notifying authorities of their individual notifications early next year.