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Housing Grant Payments

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 December 2013

Thursday, 19 December 2013

Questions (220)

Terence Flanagan

Question:

220. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the housing grants available to householders living in Dublin; the cost of these grant schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54969/13]

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Written answers

Under the terms of the suite of Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability, grants are available to assist households to have necessary repairs or improvement works carried out in order to facilitate the continued independent occupancy of their homes. Three separate schemes are available; the Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability, the Mobility Aids Grant Scheme and the Housing Aid for Older People Scheme:

The Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability assists people with a disability to have necessary adaptations, repairs or improvement works carried out in order to make their accommodation more suitable for their needs. Eligible works include the provision of access ramps, stair lifts, accessible toilet and shower facilities, wheelchair access and extensions. The maximum grant available under the scheme is €30,000.

The Mobility Aids Grant Scheme is available to fast track grants of up to €6,000 to cover a basic suite of works to address the mobility problems of a member of a household. Qualifying works include the provision of stair lifts, level access showers, access ramps, grab rails and some minor adaptation works to the fabric of the house such as adaptation of downstairs room/closet to provide sanitary facilities etc.

The Housing Aid for Older People Scheme provides grants of up to €10,500 to assist older people living in poor housing conditions to have necessary repairs or improvements carried out. Grant-eligible works include structural repairs or improvements, re-wiring, repairs to or replacement of windows and doors, provision of water supply and sanitary facilities, provision of heating, cleaning, painting etc.

Dublin City Council's overall allocation under the suite of Grants for Older People and People with a Disability for 2013 amounted to € 5,512,886. In the case of extensions and adaptations to the local authority social housing stock, my Department allocates capital funding each year towards the cost of necessary works to meet the needs of persons with a disability. In 2013, my Department will recoup €640,000 to Dublin City Council for this measure. The detailed administration of these schemes, including the assessment, approval and payment of grants to applicants under the various grant measures, is the responsibility of the City Council.

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