COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, September 14, 2020

QUESTION NO. 18

QUESTION: Councillor Shane Moynihan

To ask the Chief Executive about the current waiting times and size of waiting list for housing adaptation requests, and how the national funding made available to this scheme will reduce those waiting timnes, and if he will make a statement on the matter.

REPLY:

On 6th August 2020, the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government (DHPLG) issued a funding allocation of €2,830,605 to the Council in respect of housing adaptation grants for private homes in 2020.

To the end of August, approximately 47% of that funding (€1,337,533) has been drawdown for 147 applicants in respect of adaptation works completed under the Housing Adaptations Grants, Mobility Aid Grants and Housing Aid for Older Persons supports.  There are currently 231 approved applications on hand awaiting drawdown of funding by the applicants with a further 135 applications at various stages of processing towards approval.  The current average processing time is between 8-10 weeks from receipt of application to grant approval.

The Covid-19 pandemic and related restrictions have had an impact on the assessment and payment of approved grants with limited inspections being undertaken during March and April of works completed.  Inspections have resumed since May subject to appropriate health and safety requirements and protocols.

The allocation of funding from DHPLG in August is broadly in line with what was anticipated and does not necessarily impact on the processing times of grant applications.  Every effort will be made to fully utilise the funding in 2020 given the ongoing volume of applications approved and being processed but it should be noted that the final draw down of funds is contingent on applicants arranging for the works to be completed and submitting all necessary supporting documentation to the Council.