I will shortly announce the 2019 funding allocations to local authorities for the Disabled Persons Grants (DPG) Scheme for adaptations and extensions to existing social homes to meet the needs of local authority tenants. In early 2019, local authorities were advised to proceed with works of up to 65% of their overall 2018 allocation in respect of the DPG scheme, to ensure that there was no delay in works commencing. Some €15 million is being made available under the scheme in 2019, an increase of over €1 million on 2018.
In implementing the scheme, it is a matter for local authorities to prioritise the works to be funded under the scheme in their area, in the context of available funding and in line with the terms of the DPG scheme. My Department is not involved in decisions on individual cases.
Funding drawdowns by local authorities will be kept under review as the year progresses, with a view to considering the allocation of additional funding should it become available, or the re-distribution of unspent funding. It will be open to local authorities to seek additional funding, once their allocation is fully expended.