Dáil Éireann Debate, Friday - 7 September 2018
1407. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to a shortfall in the funding allocated to Limerick City and County Council for the purpose of making adjustments to council owned houses for disabled persons; if an extra allocation will be allowed in 2018 to help reduce the backlog that has built up; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36754/18]
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 and the needs of older people or people with a disability, who may require stair lifts or the installation of a downstairs bedroom or bathroom.
The total Exchequer funding allocated under the DPG scheme has increased by over 15% to €14 million in 2018 in comparison with €12 million in 2017 and my Department issued indicative allocations in respect of this scheme to all Local Authorities in July 2018.
It is open to local authorities to seek additional funding over and above this initial allocation and such requests will be facilitated, where funding availability allows.
