Details of the Voluntary Homeowner Relocation Scheme are due to be released “soon”, the Office of Public Works tells SelfBuild, within the first quarter of 2017.
According to the OPW, the Scheme will provide humanitarian assistance in the form of funding towards the purchase or construction of a new home and other costs.Part of the Action Plan for Rural Development, the scheme will build on the government’s decision in November 2016 to introduce a once off prioritised, targeted initiative to help homeowners who are at greatest risk of future flooding and who would benefit most from State support.This includes those who have been victims of flooding last Winter and in previous years. The OPW, Local Authorities and the Department of Social Protection have been working jointly to identify the possible administrative arrangements for this scheme.The OPW expects to bring recommendations to Government prior to initial contact with potential homeowners.UPDATE FEBRUARY 2017: The Minister of State with responsibility for the OPW has said a fund will be in place by March of this year with a €2 billion budget for the 2017 relocation scheme, open to those who have been subject to repeat flooding.
Astrid Madsen
English