Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 22 June 2023
261. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when he expects the enhanced grant scheme for the remediation of dwellings damaged by the use of defective concrete blocks in County Clare to open; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30402/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra262. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide additional resources to a local authority (details supplied) to assist the public in completing applications under a scheme; if so, what those resources will be; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30403/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 261 and 262 together.
The question refers to the grant scheme being established by the Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks Act 2022. The administrative areas of the following counties have been designated by the 2022 Act for the purposes of the enhanced grant scheme: Clare County Council; Donegal County Council; Limerick City and County Council; Mayo County Council.
My Department received a request from the local authority referred to for additional staff to support the work for the roll out of the enhanced scheme which is being considered by my Department.
The 2022 Act which contains the enhanced grant scheme will be commenced as soon as related Regulations are completed. The Regulations will provide details for the enhanced scheme not included in the 2022 Act such as application forms and templates, per square metre grant rates and the definition of damage.
I aim to commence the 2022 Act and adopt the Regulations in the coming weeks. Comprehensive information of all aspects of the Scheme will be made available online for all existing and potential applicants once commenced.
