Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 5 May 2021
42. Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the cost to date of all Covid-19-related payments in his Department to individuals and corporate entities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15409/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic required a whole of Government approach that was flexible, adaptive and responsive to the changing situation.
My Department responded to the COVID-19 pandemic using a range of targeted mechanisms. Funding was distributed through a number of stakeholders, primarily the 31 local authorities. The most significant cost was in relation to a Commercial Rates Waiver of €900m for eligible businesses for March to December.
Additional funding was also provided as part of the Government’s July Jobs Stimulus to help reignite the economy following the impact of COVID-19. This included:
- €43m for Irish Water Leakage Reduction Programme and capital maintenance works - this was enhanced with a further €44m announced during Budget 2021;
- €40m for refurbishing vacant social housing units and returning them to productive use; and
- €8.5m for investment in the Heritage area, including to upgrade and enhance recreational and visitor facilities at National Parks, Heritage Sites and Nature Reserves.
Additional funding of €60m for homelessness services was also provided in 2020, including €29m recouped to housing authorities towards expenditure on COVID-19 measures. This funding allowed for additional accommodation to be put in place to ensure the necessary social distancing in emergency accommodation and the provision of accommodation to allow for the self-isolation of individuals, as required.
My Department also provided of €2.6m to the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management and €1.6m to the zoo sector, as well as €216,000 on health and safety measures at Departmental offices and National Parks.
