AQW 19080/22-27

Mr Andrew McMurray
Alliance Party
South Down

Tabled Date: 29/11/2024
Answered On Date: 17/12/2024
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for an estimated date for the completion of outstanding works to properties where homeowners' 10 per cent contribution, under the Homeowner Flood Protection Grant Scheme, has been received.

Answer:

My Department’s Homeowner Flood Protection Grant Scheme (HFPGS) continues to remain open to new applications. The grant scheme covers 90% of the costs, up to a maximum of £10,000, of the total survey and estimated installation costs.

As you will be aware I instructed my officials to review the application process and eligibility criteria for the scheme and I am pleased to confirm that I approved a new revised criteria on 1 October 2024 which will significantly reduce the application process for the homeowner. My officials have been assessing all new applications against this revised criteria which has been published on my Department’s website at: Homeowner flood protection grant scheme application pack | Department for Infrastructure.

For those homeowners whose applications were refused based on the previous criteria, I can confirm that these will be re-assessed against the revised criteria and applicants notified of any change in the status of their application.

In relation to ongoing applications and those where the homeowner has paid their 10% contribution, I am advised that a delivery of products for 21 properties is anticipated in the next 2-3 weeks and, whilst a small number of homes may see works completed prior to Christmas, the remainder will be completed as soon as possible in the new year.

Since the Autumn 2023 flooding I can confirm that 26 applicants have paid their contributions with 3 properties having measures fitted. It should be noted that some of the contributions paid after October 2023 were for applications received before October 2023 and not related to that flooding event. My officials are in regular discussion with both the contractor and homeowners to ensure that materials are ordered and fitted as efficiently as possible.