Written answers
Wednesday, 19 February 2025
Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government
Housing Schemes
Erin McGreehan (Louth, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
119. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if generators could be considered for inclusion in housing adaptation grants for people with disabilities and older people for the reason of medical necessity. [6551/25]
James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
My Department provides Exchequer funding to local authorities under the Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and Disabled People scheme, to assist people in private houses to make their accommodation more suitable for their needs. The grants include the Housing Adaptation Grant for Disabled People, the Mobility Aids Grant and the Housing Aid for Older People Grant, which are funded by my Department, with a contribution from the resources of the local authority. The detailed administration of the scheme including assessment, approval, prioritisation and budgetary apportionment is the responsibility of local authorities.
The provision of alternative sources of mains energy supply are beyond the scope of the grants scheme. My colleague, the Minister for Communications, Climate and Environment, is responsible for policy considerations in relation to alternative sources of mains energy supply.
In addition, the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) operates a number of schemes which provide grant funding towards home energy upgrades. Further information in relation to these schemes can be found on the SEAI website at the following link: www.seai.ie/home-energy/home-upgrades/
Erin McGreehan (Louth, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
120. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the number of CREL applications in his Department waiting for approval. [6557/25]
James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
The Cost Rental Equity Loan funding Scheme is available to Approved Housing Bodies to provide affordable rented accommodation to those who meet the income eligibility requirements for cost rental homes. The nature of the Cost Rental model means that Cost Rental homes are advertised and made available at a certain rent level, which is needed to cover the costs of delivery and provision. Cost rents must be at least 25% below prevailing market rents.
Applications for CREL are regularly received by my Department and as such the assessment and approval of applications on hand is continual. For reasons of commercial sensitivity, details of specific proposals awaiting approval cannot be released . However, the Department can confirm that it continues to work with the Approved Housing Body sector to deliver social and cost rental housing at scale.
Erin McGreehan (Louth, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
121. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the number of CALF applications in his Department waiting for approval. [6558/25]
James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
The Capital Advance Leasing Facility (CALF) Scheme is the main funding source for the Approved Housing Body sector to provide social housing in Ireland.
As at 17 February 2025, the number of CALF applications under consideration by my Department was forty two.
As with all Exchequer-supported projects, my Department, as approving authority, assesses each project application for suitability, value for money and compliance with the various requirements of the CALF funding scheme. Moreover, the Housing Agency undertakes an independent assessment of the financial aspects of the application. CALF applications currently with my Department are at different stages of the consideration and approval process and are being given due consideration.
Erin McGreehan (Louth, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
122. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the number of housing units applied for under both the CALF and CREL schemes, by county, in tabular form. [6559/25]
James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
The Capital Advance Leasing Facility (CALF) Scheme is the main funding source for the Approved Housing Body (AHB) sector to provide social housing in Ireland. Pursuant to Housing for All, targets for AHB delivery of social housing units are contained in Local Authority Housing Delivery Action Plans.
Cost Rental Equity Loan (CREL) funding is available to AHBs to provide affordable rented accommodation to those on middle incomes. The nature of the cost rental model means that cost rental homes are made available at a certain rent level, which is needed to cover the costs of delivery and provision, and must be at least 25 per cent below prevailing market rents.
Details of specific proposals awaiting approval cannot be released due to reasons of commercial sensitivity. However, my Department can confirm that it continues to work with the AHB sector to deliver CALF and CREL housing at scale, with a view to achieving Housing For All targets.
No comments