Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 July 2026
126. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the reason for the delay in approving the application for the improvement work in lieu of local authority housing scheme (IWILS) on behalf of a person (details supplied). [52123/26]
View answerMy Department provides grant funding through the Disabled Persons Grant (DPG) and Improvement Works in Lieu (IWIL) of Social Housing schemes for adaptations, extensions, and improvement works to existing housing stock.
The DPG scheme supports works necessary to address the needs of older people or people with a disability and overcrowded situations. The IWIL scheme provides funding for adaptations or extensions to private dwellings intended for social housing qualified households in lieu of social housing.
Under delegated sanction currently in place, the maximum cost of works in each individual case should not exceed €75,000, with my Department funding 90% of the cost of eligible works. Where the total cost of works to a property is projected to exceed €75,000, and additional funding is sought by the local authority, prior Department approval is required.
In the case referenced, the projected cost of the proposed works exceeded the delegated sanction limit of €75,000. Accordingly, Westmeath County Council submitted a proposal for Department consideration and approval. Following assessment, approval for the scheme issued to Westmeath County Council on 25 June 2026.
More generally, my Department allocates funding annually under this Programme to support local authorities in delivering these important housing adaptations and improvements. It is a matter for each local authority to prioritise projects within its allocation, ensuring the available funding is directed towards those cases with the greatest level of need and impact.
