Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 November 2025
90. Deputy Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the amount of housing adaptation grant funding that will be provided in 2026 for counties Wicklow and Wexford; the number of social housing tenants that are awaiting essential works in both counties to date, by age category, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59145/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department provides funding to local authorities under the Disabled Persons Grants scheme (DPGs) to carry out works on social homes to address the needs of older people, people with a disability or overcrowded situations. Typical works include adaptations such as stair-lifts, level deck showers, ramps and grab rails, widening door opening widths, and improving circulation spaces. Extensions to provide for ground floor bathrooms and bedrooms can also be supported.
The programme will provide €25m to local authorities in 2025 The budget for 2026 will increase and the details will be finalised shortly.
My Department will shortly request local authorities to identify their expected funding requirements for 2026. This process ensures local authorities are able to meet the needs of their tenants within the available funding envelope, while emergency cases will be provided for as they arise throughout the year.
Prior to formally notifying local authorities of their allocations for 2026, and to remove impediments to priority works, they are allowed to commit up to a maximum value of 65% of this year's allocation on works to completed next year.
Once allocations allocations for next year are notified, it will be a matter for each local authority to prioritise the works required within the funding available and per the terms of the DPG scheme.
Data on the number of tenants awaiting essential works are not collected by my Department and should be sought directly from the respective local authorities.
