Private Housing Grants

 Social Leasing (long term, short term and leases with Approved

Housing Bodies (AHB’s)); currently there are ~415 lease arrangements and it is expected a further 25 new leases will be entered into during 2019.  ‘Repair to Lease Scheme’ – this Council has had no successful application in this scheme. This is due to the restrictions on the level of funding available and the mismatch between the areas where houses are available and the areas of social demand.

The Council is obliged to inspect private rented properties for which we derive income. The quality of rental accommodation is critical to the success and sustainability of the residential rental sector and to its attractiveness as a long-term accommodation option for households. The Council ensures compliance with the standards for private rented accommodation through inspection. While approximately 12% of the stock will have been inspected in 2018 by year end, it is planned to intensify activity in this area during 2019 to complete 1250 inspections, or 25% of the private rented stock in the County.

Private Housing Grants

This Council administers two grant types namely private house grants and the grant aiding of works to Local Authority housing to accommodate those with special needs.

 Private house grants - For 2019 it is anticipated that grant funding of €2.1m will be sought, this necessitates a contribution of €420K from the Council’s own resources. The grant schemes are 80% exchequer funded and 20% council own resources. This will be applied in the first instance towards processing the significant number of applications currently on hand and unfunded as well as applications which have been prioritised on medical need.  Works to accommodate the needs of Disabled Persons residing in

Local Authority Housing - Funding of €535k was provided in 2018 (90% DHPLG grant funding and 10% Council own resources) to upgrade 90 properties for people with disabilities/special need. In addition this Council sought an additional allocation of €400K in 2018 to address a backlog of projects. Works completed include installation of stair lifts, bathroom modifications, installation of level access showers, central heating, grab rails and ramps. The Council will be making an application, on foot of a call for proposals, for a similar level of funding under this heading in 2019 to continue with

this work which is critical in meeting acute needs of our tenants. The budget provides for match funding in the area of €50k.