COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, October 11, 2010

HEADED ITEM NO. 11

 

APPLICATION FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FROM FOCUS HOUSING ASSOCIATION UNDER THE CAPITAL ASSISTANCE SCHEME (CALL FOR PROPOSALS JUNE 2010) FOR THE PROVISION OF ACCOMMODATION BY APPROVED HOUSING BODIES FOR PEOPLE WITH SPECIFIC CATEGORIES OF HOUSING NEED IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 6 OF THEHOUSING (MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS) ACT, 1992 FOR THE ACQUISITION OF UNITS AT NEW BANCROFT, TALLAGHT

REPORT:

On 4th June 2010, the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government advised all Local Authorities by Circular SHIP/2010/13 of revised arrangements for the submission of proposals by Approved Housing Bodies under the Capital Assistance Scheme (CAS) for the provision of housing to meet the accommodation needs of older people, persons with a physical, mental health, intellectual or sensory disabilities, elderly returning emigrants and persons exiting temporary homeless accommodation etc.

The objective is to deliver a responsive and flexible system of housing supports that is capable of taking into account the diversity of housing needs of older people and people with specific categories of need and to do this in a sustainable cost effective way. This special 'Call for Proposals' is designed to target newly built housing units or units which are close to completion and/or capable of adaptation to meet specific categories of housing need and a sum of money of €25m countrywide was set aside. This amount was subsequently increased to €60m by the Minister. All funds must be drawndown by year end.

In respect of South Dublin, approved housing bodies submitted their proposals to the Council and following examination/assessment of all submissions, applications in excess of €7m were submitted to the Department of the Environment Heritage & Local Government for approval. These applications identified a specific housing need in South Dublin and included accommodation for homeless persons, older persons and persons with intellectual disabilities.

The Council has received approval from the Department of the Environment Heritage & Local Government for three Schemes submitted, totalling €3.3m.

An application was received from Focus Housing Association for a grant in the sum of €257,070 under the Capital Assistance Scheme (Special Call for Proposals June 2010) in respect of the acquisition of two apartments at New Bancroft in Tallaght for homeless persons assessed capable of independant living. The Association is an approved Voluntary Body under Section 5 of the Housing Act, 1988.

The Department of Environment and Local Government by letter dated 30th September 2010 approved the grant in the amount of  €257,070.

Under Section 6 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1992 the granting of assistance under the Capital Assistance Scheme is a reserved function of the Council and is subject to the approval of the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. 

Accordingly, the following motion is required: 

"That the Council recommends that the application for a grant in the sum of €257,070 under the Capital Assistance Scheme to Focus Housing Association  for the acquisition of 2 apartments at New Bancroft, Tallaght in accordance with the requirements of Section 6 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1992 be approved".