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Housing Grants.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 February 2004

Tuesday, 24 February 2004

Questions (381, 382)

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

482 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the provision of funding for a project (details supplied) in County Cork. [5634/04]

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Written answers

Certain clarification regarding the application for funding under the capital assistance scheme in respect of the proposed provision of 14 units of accommodation for disabled persons has been sought from Cork County Council, which is responsible for administering the scheme in its area. When this is to hand, the application will be further considered by my Department and the council will be advised of the outcome as soon as possible.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

483 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will increase the frequency of grant aid to the rare and unusual thatched cottages that are difficult to maintain and preserve, in particular for a 300 year old cottage (details supplied) in County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5733/04]

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My Department operates a scheme of grants to assist in the renewal and repair of traditional thatched roofs and has introduced significant improvements to the grant levels under the scheme. The basic maximum grant was increased in 1999 from €3,047, £2,400, to €3,810 and from €4,571, £3,600, to €5,720 for houses on specified offshore islands. The grants may meet two thirds of the approved cost of thatching works, subject to the maximum limits.

The Department also introduced a new measure to assist lower income households, for which the cost of maintaining a thatched roof imposed a particular burden. Householders with medical cards are eligible for thatching grants up to a maximum of €6,350 or €8,260 in the case of the specified offshore islands. In addition, in such cases the grant may cover up to 80% of the approved cost of the works, again subject to the maximum grant limits.

A further grant in respect of the same dwelling can be paid where the works are commenced seven or more years from the date of payment of a previous grant.

While there are no proposals, at this stage, to increase the rate of the grant or the frequency for which applications can be made for thatching grants, my Department will keep the terms of the scheme under review.

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