Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 January 2010
273 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding grants for central heating and insulation in view of the fact that a council (details supplied) has no funding for grants where persons can apply for funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2265/10]
View answerUnder the terms of the Housing Aid for Older People scheme, which is administered by the local authorities, grants of up to €10,500 are available to assist older people to have necessary repairs or improvement works carried out, including drylining and the provision of central heating, in order to facilitate the continued independent occupancy of their homes.
My Department requested local authorities to submit details of their funding requirements under the suite of Grant Schemes for Older People and People with a Disability for 2010 by 22 January, with a view to determining the allocations for this year as soon as possible afterwards. In order to provide for continuity in the processing applications and the payment of grants under the various measures, local authorities were advised that they could anticipate an allocation for 2010 which would not be substantially below their overall allocation for 2009.
It should be noted also that the Home Energy Saving scheme, which is administered by Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI), provides grants to homeowners for improving the energy efficiency of their homes in order to reduce energy use and costs. The scheme, which falls within the remit of my colleague, the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, is open to all owners of existing homes built before 2006 and eligible works include the provision of roof and wall insulation.
