Gaeltacht Area House Grants
Information
There is a grants scheme for the building of new homes and improvements to certain existing homes to qualifying applicants in Gaeltacht areas. On 7 April 2009, it was announced that the scheme was suspended with immediate effect for budgetary reasons.
Qualifying areas are located in the following counties:
- Donegal
- Mayo
- Galway
- Kerry
- Cork
- Waterford
- Meath (Rath Cairn and Baile Ghib).
Grants also apply to certain islands off the coast of these counties as follows:
- Coast of Galway (Aran Islands and others)
- Mayo (Inishturk)
- Donegal (Tory and Aranmore and others)
- Cork (part of Cape Clear).
Rules
New House Grants
If you wish to obtain a new house grant, you must speak Irish as the normal language of your household. You do not have to live in the Gaeltacht while your new house is being built. However, the grant will not be paid to you until you and your family are living permanently in your new home. The house in question must be your first home in the Gaeltacht. The house cannot be provided by your local authority.
N.B. On 7 April 2009, it was announced that the scheme was suspended with immediate effect for budgetary reasons.
Existing House Grants
If you wish to obtain a grant to upgrade your house, you must speak Irish as the normal language of your household and your normal residence must be in the Gaeltacht. If you are buying or have bought a house from your local authority, you will not qualify for a grant until the purchase has been completed and you are reqistered in the Land Registry as the owner.
Rates
On 7 April 2009, it was announced that the scheme was suspended with immediate effect for budgetary reasons.
The following are the maximum rates available.
New House Grants
Grants for houses on the mainland: €5,100
Grants for houses on designated islands: €15,300
Existing House Grants
Houses on the mainland
Essential repairs grants: €5,100
Provision of water supply: €2,420
Sewerage system: €1,040
Bathroom: €1,560
Improvements of sanitation installations in the house: €640
Special extension for visitors: €1,280 per room, up to a maximum of three rooms
Renewal of thatched roof: €7,000
Houses on designated islands
Essential repairs grants: €15,300
Provision of water supply: €3,630
Sewerage system: €1,560
Bathroom: €2,340
Improvements of sanitation installations in the house: €960
Special extension for visitors: €1,920 room per room, up to a maximum of three rooms
Renewal of thatched roof: €10,500
How to apply
On 7 April 2009, it was announced that the scheme was suspended with immediate effect for budgetary reasons.
Further information is available from the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht at the address listed below.
Where to apply
Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht
23 Kildare Street
Dublin 2
Ireland
Tel:+353 (0)1 631 3800
Locall:1890 383 000
Homepage: http://www.ahg.gov.ie/
Email: customer.service@ahg.gov.ie
Language
Related Documents
- Supplementary Budget 2009
A supplementary budget was announced on 7 April, 2009. Summary of the main changes. - Budget 2009
Budget 2009 was announced on 14 October 2008. Summary of the main changes. - Income supports for older people
Find out about the range of payments available, and link to a broader checklist of entitlements for older people.
Contact Us
If you have a question relating to this topic you can contact the Citizens Information Phone Service on 0761 07 4000 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 9pm) or you can visit your local Citizens Information Centre.