Dáil Éireann Debate, Friday - 6 September 2019
1968. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government when funding will be made available to carry out works to a local authority (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35720/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Disabled Persons Grants (DPG) Scheme applies to works that are necessary to address the needs of older people or people with a disability in local authority housing. This may involve minor adaptations such as stair-lifts, grabs -rails, showers, wet-rooms, ramps etc. It also provides funding for more major adaptations such as extensions, for example in the case of overcrowding, or the installation of a downstairs bedroom or bathroom.
Some €15 million is being made available under the scheme in 2019, an increase of over €1 million on 2018 levels. On top of this exchequer funding, the local authority makes a further 10% contribution in respect of these grants. 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.
The available funding for 2019 was apportioned across local authorities having regard to individual funding requests. My Department will review the 2019 allocations and funding drawdown later this month with a view to considering the allocation of additional funding should it become available.
It is open to all local authorities to seek additional funding in 2019, once their allocation is fully expended and the relevant funding recouped from the Department. To date in 2019, Kerry County Council has recouped its allocation of €300,000 and my Department approved a further €68,000 which has also been drawn down. Kerry County Council has been in touch with my Department to seek further funding, and this request will be considered under the forthcoming review.
