Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 July 2018
2630. Deputy Seamus Healy asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government when funds to local authorities for adaptations to local authority rented dwellings under the housing adaptation for people with a disability scheme will be allocated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32844/18]
View answerMy Department provides capital funding to all local authorities to undertake adaptations and extensions to their existing social housing stock under the Disabled Persons Grant (DPG) Scheme. The scheme applies to extensions that are needed to address over-crowding (families who outgrow their current dwelling) and the needs of older people or people with a disability, who may require chairlifts or the installation of a downstairs bedroom or bathroom.
The scheme also provides funding for Improvement Works in Lieu of Social Housing (IWIL’s) in order to improve or extend privately owned accommodation, where the applicant is already approved for social housing. This allows people to remain in private housing while their housing need is met without increasing the strain on current social housing stock and also reduces the numbers of persons who might otherwise find themselves homeless.
This scheme alleviates the need for elderly people and those with disabilities to be placed in high support accommodation and allows them to continue living in the comfort of their own homes. Exchequer funding meets 90% of the cost of the works, with the local authority providing the remaining 10%. Funding allocations in respect of this important scheme were issued to each individual local authority on 6 July 2018.
