Vol. 558 No. 3
46 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government his plans to reform the grant scheme for refurbishment of listed houses before such houses are closed up, in view of the low level of grants available for refurbishment works on listed homes and the fact that many families cannot afford to carry out such works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20068/02]
The conservation grant scheme for protected structures was introduced in 1999. The standard grant is 50% of the approved cost of works subject to a maximum of €13,000. A local authority may, at its discretion, vary this amount downwards or in exceptional circumstances upwards, subject to a maximum allowable grant of 75% of the cost of the approved cost of works or €25,000, whichever is the lesser. Accordingly, the scheme is not intended to meet the full cost but is designed to assist owners or occupiers of protected structures to undertake necessary works to secure their conservation.
