Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 April 2014
424. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding an application submitted by Monaghan County Council in respect of a housing project (details supplied) in County Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17709/14]
View answerMy Department’s Capital Assistance Scheme (CAS) provides funding to approved housing bodies of up to 100% of the approved costs of accommodation for people with specific categories of housing need, including people with a disability. My Department’s involvement with the CAS relates primarily to the provision of funds for individual projects. The detailed administration of the scheme, the certification that projects comply with the terms and conditions of the scheme and the processing of applications for funding are the responsibility of the relevant local authority, in this case Monaghan County Council.
In April 2013, my Department approved CAS funding of €900,000 for the provision of a group home for people with physical and sensory disabilities at Drummond Otra, Convent Lands, Carrickmacross. On 2 December 2013, Monaghan County Council submitted a tender report for the project showing a substantial increase in construction costs compared to the initial cost plan prepared by the Council and requesting approval for an all-in cost of €1.378 million. Considering that the cost had increased by over 50%, my Department requested a value-for-money appraisal of the project. This appraisal was examined by my Department’s Inspectorate and a revised design, which is expected to result in reduced costs, has recently been submitted by the Council. My Department is awaiting detailed costings for the revised design from the Council and the proposal will be further considered once this information is to hand.
