Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 March 2026
402. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will examine the case for providing capital assistance scheme funding, or an alternative capital mechanism, to support the redevelopment of a disability housing property (details supplied); and whether flexibility can be applied in CAS policy for older properties whose original liens have long expired. [18114/26]
View answerMy Department is currently engaging directly with the relevant Approved Housing Body and Galway City Council with a view to exploring the most appropriate options in the circumstances of the case. Already, a course of action has been discussed with the AHB and the Council, which will see the productive use of the existing properties at Knocknacarra, as well as support for the AHB to deliver additional accommodation for social housing qualified persons with complex needs in the longer-term.
My Department's Capital Assistance Scheme provides up to 100% capital funding to AHBs to deliver social homes for a range of priority groups, including persons with disabilities, older persons, care leavers, &c. Ongoing operational and maintenance costs must be funded through rental income and support provided through the Rental Accommodation Scheme, with sinking funds established by AHBs specifically for the purpose of meeting short, medium and longer term management and maintenance costs.
My Department has recently published the Report of the Approved Housing Body Strategic Forum, which includes recommendations on a range of related issues including, AHB income potential, tenant contributions, a potential State capital and income subsidy, as well as the implementation of cost recovery principles as future mechanisms to support AHB needs in this area. Regular structured engagements have already begun with the AHB sector and key stakeholders to address these recommendations.
