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


Page updated: 20 October 2011

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