Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 May 2018
607. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if he will investigate with officials in Sligo County Council the reason advice is being issued by the council that no new applications are being accepted by it for housing adaptation grants in view of the fact that a significant allocation of funding was made to Sligo County Council on 3 May 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22526/18]
View answerI recently announced funding of €66.25 million nationally for the Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability, which includes €1,367,534 for Sligo County Council, comprising Exchequer funding of €1,094,027, along with €273,507 from the local authority. Details of the allocations are available on my Department’s website at the following link: http://www.housing.gov.ie/housing/special-housing-needs/minister-english-announces-eu6625-million-funding-improve-homes-older.
The detailed administration of the Housing Adaptation Grants scheme in each of the 31 local authority areas is a matter for the individual authorities. My Department encourages a rolling programme for this scheme whereby it should be kept open on an ongoing basis. I would encourage the active engagement of Councillors in the oversight of the scheme to ensure that quality customer service is provided within the funding that is available, especially in view of the 11% increase in the scheme's funding for 2018.
