Grant boost for flood-prone homes as Kimmins raises funding threshold
- Love Ballymena
- Jul 20
- 2 min read
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has announced a significant uplift in funding available to homeowners under the Homeowner Flood Protection Grant Scheme (HFPGS), increasing the limit from £10,000 to £13,700.
The decision follows a recent review of the scheme and aims to better reflect inflationary pressures and the growing need to support properties vulnerable to frequent flooding.
The scheme targets residential homes that have experienced internal flooding and remain at continued risk, offering practical solutions to help households prepare for and withstand future flooding events.
Among the protective measures eligible under the scheme are flood-resistant doors, airbrick covers, and non-return valves for underground drainage systems.
“I am pleased to be able to implement this increase to the funding threshold for the Homeowner Flood Protection Grant Scheme,” said Minister Kimmins.
“This will help the owners of vulnerable homes which have flooded in the past, from the ever-increasing threat of flooding. As climate change continues to intensify this threat, these practical solutions to help mitigate the impact of flooding by preventing or reducing water damage.”
The Minister further highlighted the success of the initiative so far: “One hundred and sixty five properties have been fitted out with these measures already. I hope this increase to the funding threshold and enhanced criteria can help boost flood resilience in more homes to bring comfort and reassurance to more eligible homeowners who apply.”
The updated threshold will apply to successful applications submitted from April 2025 onwards.
Improved eligibility for easier access
Changes have also been made to the eligibility criteria to streamline access to the scheme. Notably, the requirement to prove two flooding incidents within a 25-year period has been reduced to just one.
Additionally, properties previously excluded due to potential future flood alleviation schemes will now be considered.
The Homeowner Flood Protection Grant Scheme, introduced in 2016 and administered by the Department for Infrastructure, is a key component of the Department’s climate adaptation strategy.
“Adapting to climate is one of the Department’s seven Foundations for a Better Future,” added the Minister.
“While we cannot prevent all flooding from happening, we can reduce the impacts with appropriate improvements and development. Schemes like this are a tangible way that my Department can deliver on that vision.”
Final budget decisions for 2025–26 remain subject to equality considerations, and full details of the updated scheme can be accessed via the Department for Infrastructure’s official website:
