Vol. 507 No. 4
174 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if grant aid is available from his Department or from the EU through local authorities, to renovate old residences and business premises thereby exposing original stone work; the conditions for this grant aid; the amount of money available; and where application forms are available. [17174/99]
A new grants scheme for the conservation of protected structures was introduced with effect from 26 May 1999. A sum of £3.9 million has been allocated for the scheme this year. The scheme is being operated by the county councils and county borough corporations, and details of the scheme, including application forms, are available from these authorities.
A detailed circular issued to the local authorities on 26 May 1999 outlining the conditions of the scheme, including qualifying works. The circular states that the removal of render from a previously rendered exterior and associated repointing are specifically excluded as qualifying works under the terms of the scheme.
