The overwhelming response to the Planning Authority’s Irrestawra Darek Grant Scheme has not dampened, with the Authority now constrained to close off a second category, that for senior citizens (65+), the PA said in a statement.

Last Friday, the authority announced that it was closing off the category for private owners of residences located within an Urban Conservation Area (UCA) and Grade 1 and Grade 2 scheduled buildings. These two categories together were apportioned €8.5 million of the €10 million that was allocated for this scheme.

The scheme will still remain open for the remaining 2 categories, namely persons with special needs and registered voluntary organisations within UCAs. Between them, these categories were allotted €1.5 million. The category for persons with special needs gives a special concession for works to be carried out not only on the facade but improve accessibility within the building. The scheme covers 70% of the cost of works, up to a maximum of €10,000 in both categories.

This scheme which commenced on 02 April 2018 is being made available on a first come first served basis. Works have to commence after 1 April 2018 and have to be concluded within two years. Fiscal receipts have to be presented and planning permission needs to be sought prior to works. To facilitate the processing of the submissions, request for funding under this scheme are being made through the Authority’s online e-Application system.

The funds for this scheme are being made available by the Authority from the fees it generates from the regularisation process application. The regularisation process application provides property owners with a ‘one-time opportunity’ to regularise existing non-conformant developments located entirely within the development boundaries.