Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 October 2023
255. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will report on the confirmation by Limerick City and County Council that no funding remains to complete housing adaptation grant works in 2023 and that such works are being deferred to 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43450/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra256. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if additional funding will be provided to Limerick City and County Council in order that works scheduled for successful applicants for the housing adaptation grant can be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43451/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 255 and 256 together.
I understand that this question refers to social housing adaptations. My Department provides funding to local authorities under the Disabled Persons Grants scheme to carry out works on social housing stock to address the needs of older people, people with a disability or overcrowded situations. Extensions to provide for ground floor bathrooms and bedrooms can also be supported. The detailed administration of this scheme including assessment, approval and prioritisation of applications is the responsibility of local authorities.
My Department's approach every year, in the first instance, is to allow local authorities complete works up to 65% of the previous year’s allocation in the absence of formal approval to keep this important work going.
Following this and based on the actual need of the sector, my Department issues a single full year allocation to each local authority, so they can plan, prioritise and implement the programme to carry out the varying works necessary to meet the needs of their tenants in this year.
Local authorities can apply for additional funding for emergency cases as they arise throughout the year and Limerick City and County Council have received approval for additional funding above their initial allocation for their 2023 programme. Furthermore, my Department will make every effort to accede to any further requests for additional funding this year.
