Written answers

Wednesday, 20 April 2016

Department of Environment, Community and Local Government

Housing Adaptation Grant

Photo of Dessie EllisDessie Ellis (Dublin North West, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

467. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if he is aware that Kildare County Council has a process of only replacing windows in elderly persons homes if there is money left in the budget at the end of the year and, despite an increased allocation in the 2016 housing maintenance budget, if they will be operating the same process for this year; if this practice is supported by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7445/16]

Photo of Alan KellyAlan Kelly (Tipperary, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

My Department provides funding to assist older people to have necessary repairs or improvement works carried out to private houses in order to facilitate the continued independent occupancy of their homes. At local level, the detailed administration and processing of these grants, including the assessment, prioritisation, approval and payment of individual grants to applicants, is the responsibility of the relevant local authority.

Of the grants available, the Mobility Aids Grant and the Housing Aid for Older People scheme are primarily aimed at older people. The latter scheme provides grants of up to €8,000 to assist older people living in poor housing conditions to have necessary repairs or improvements carried out. Grant eligible works include structural repairs or improvements, re-wiring, repairs to or replacement of windows and doors, provision of water supply and sanitary facilities, provision of heating, cleaning, painting, etc.

On 5 February 2016, I announced total funding of €56.25 million for the Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability. I have increased the level of funding available for the grants by some 10% in 2016. This funding will see over 8,000 homes receiving grant aid this year.

My Department also provides funding to local authorities for adaptations and extensions to the social housing stock to meet the needs of local authority tenants with a disability or to address serious overcrowding. All local authorities, including Kildare County Council, have been notified of initial funding provisions to allow work on this area to continue while proposals are assessed for full year allocations. I expect the level of funding for this activity to increase for 2016.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.