Vol. 488 No. 4
227 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he has received an application from Sligo Corporation for a housing estate refurbishment allocation in relation to the Banks Drive, Cranmore area of Sligo; if so, the nature and extent of the proposals in this regard; and the costings as submitted by the corporation. [6215/98]
An application for assistance under the remedial works scheme for the replacement of chimneys in the Cranmore Estate was received in my Department in September 1989 and £650,000 has been paid to Sligo Corporation in respect of works undertaken. Following recent discussions between officials of my Department and the corporation, it was agreed that the local authority would examine the need for further works at this estate. No such proposals have been received to date.
228 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he will review the need to increase the amount of funds which can be recouped by local authorities in relation to house modifications or extensions to cater for disabled persons, in view of the fact that the low level of grant is causing great hardship to a group of people who are already disadvantaged in the context of rapidly escalating building costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6216/98]
I am, in the context of the Government's An Action Programme for the Millennium, examining possible options to extend the range of measures currently available to assist low income households in securing necessary improvement works to their housing, including the disabled person's grant scheme. Pending completion of this examination and decisions arising from it, I do not propose to comment on the possible outcome.
