Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 January 2021
360. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the housing scheme or grants that can be obtained for persons (details supplied) who do not qualify for the first-time buyers help-to-buy scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4508/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department currently provides Exchequer funding for a number of grant schemes in respect of privately owned housing.
My Department provides funding to local authorities in respect of the Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability, to assist eligible people in private houses to make their accommodation more suitable for their needs. The suite of grants include the Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability (max grant €30,000), the Mobility Aids Grant (max grant €6,000) and the Housing Aid for Older People (max grant €8,000). A means test applies to each grant scheme. The detailed administration of the schemes is the responsibility of the local authorities.
My Department also administers the Thatching Grant scheme, where a grant of up to €3,810, or two thirds of the approved cost, whichever is the lesser, is available. In the case of medical card holders, a grant of up to €6,350, or up to 80% of the approved cost, may be payable in respect of houses situated on the mainland, rising to €8,252 where the house is situated on a specified off-shore island. Eligibility under the grant scheme is contingent on the house being occupied as a normal place of residence on completion of the approved works.
