John Connolly (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

385. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the mechanism through which funding allocations allocated to each local authority for the provision of disabled persons grant and the improvement works in lieu schemes for local authority housing stock were arrived at; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31522/25]

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

My Department provides funding to local authorities under the Disabled Persons Grants scheme to carry out works on social housing stock to address the needs of older people, people with a disability or overcrowded situations. Typical works include adaptations such as stair-lifts, level deck showers, ramps and grab rails, widening door opening widths and improving circulation spaces. Extensions to provide for ground floor bathrooms and bedrooms can also be supported.

The allocation process for 2025 followed the same pattern as previous years; a programme of works was requested from local authorities outlining what works were required and could be completed during this calendar year. The allocations were based on a combination of this metric, coupled with their 2024 delivery and/or their 2024 allocation plus claims from 2024 paid in 2025.

This allocation process ensures that local authorities are able to meet the needs of their tenants within the available funding envelope. Furthermore, emergency cases will be provided for within the available budget as they arise throughout the year.

Local authorities have been informed of the funding allocations for 2025 and work is progressing in that regard.