Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 416: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if grant assistance is available to home owners who wish to restore and repair private dwellings of a considerable age. [25006/09]

Michael Finneran (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
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There is no general grant scheme currently available from my Department for the repair or restoration of older private dwellings and I have no plans to introduce such a scheme.

However, there is a conservation grants scheme, administered by local authorities with funding from my Department, aimed at supporting the carrying out of conservation works on structures of architectural significance, which are listed in the Record of Protected Structures contained in the relevant local authority's Development Plan. It is a matter for each local authority to assess and prioritise applications and approve funding.

My Department also provides funding to the Heritage Council for capital grants to assist conservation works to buildings. The Council's "Building at Risk" scheme provides grant assistance to carry out essential repairs to buildings of architectural significance. Further information in relation to this scheme is available directly from the Heritage Council or on the Council's website at www.heritagecouncil.ie.

Question No. 417 answered with Question No. 392.