Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 July 2016
199. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which adequate resources remain available to the various local authorities to facilitate the provision of housing adaptation grants to meet the requirements of those with disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23102/16]
View answerThe funding allocation of €56.25m in 2016 for the Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability comprises €45m Exchequer funding and €11.25m from local authorities’ own resources. Details of these 2016 allocations are available on my Department’s website at the following link: http://www.environ.ie/housing/grantsfinancial-assistance/ministers-kelly-coffey-announce-eu5625-million-improve-homes.
The 2016 allocation represents a 10% increase on that of 2015, so I am satisfied that the resourcing of this scheme is being supported and enhanced to assist the maximum number of eligible citizens. In the management of this scheme, my Department works closely with local authorities to achieve a full drawdown of their allocations. Through careful management of my Department’s housing budget in 2015, additional funds were made available to local authorities with high levels of grant activity and the same approach will be followed for 2016, where possible.
