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Grant Payments.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 26 January 2005

Wednesday, 26 January 2005

Questions (1318)

Seamus Kirk

Question:

1391 Mr. Kirk asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will consider raising the ceiling on grant aid in respect of thatched roof dwelling houses in view of the importance of preserving such dwellings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2086/05]

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Written answers

My Department operates a scheme of grants to assist in the renewal and repair of traditional thatched roofs and has in recent years introduced significant improvements to the assistance available 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.

My 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. While there are no proposals to increase the rate of thatching grants at this stage, my Department keeps the terms of the scheme under review.

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