Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 January 2016
183. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he provides a scheme to assist in the renovation and modernisation of a private dwelling (details supplied) to make it habitable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3415/16]
View answerMy Department does not provide a scheme to assist in the renovation and modernisation of a private dwelling to make it habitable in the circumstances described. Support provided by my Department in respect of refurbishment or adaptations to houses are primarily in respect of social housing. In the case of private houses, the main programme of support funded by my Department is via the local authorities and is focussed on house adaptations for older people and people with a disability.
The suite of grants under the Housing Adaptation Grant Schemes for Older People and People with a Disability has the objective of facilitating the continued independent occupancy of their own homes by older people and people with a disability. It supports necessary adaptations, repairs or improvement works to be carried out to make accommodation more suitable to the needs of such persons.
Householders may qualify for relief under the Home Renovation Incentive Scheme, introduced under Section 5 of the Finance (No. 2) Act 2013. The Scheme covers main residence repairs, renovations and improvements and is administered by the Revenue Commissioners; full details are available on their website www.revenue.ie.
