An increase in the grant funding threshold for the Homeowner Flood Protection Grant Scheme (HFPGS) has been announced by Northern Ireland Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins.

Following a review, the grant threshold for the scheme, which is intended to modify homes to make them more resistant to flooding through measures such as flood doors, airbrick covers, and non-return valves to underground drains, will increase from £10,000 to £13,700 to take into account inflationary increases, whilst improvements have been made to the eligibility criteria to streamline the application process.  

The scheme is specifically aimed at residential properties that have flooded internally in the past and continue to be exposed to frequent flooding.

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Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins said: "I am pleased to be able to implement this increase to the funding threshold for the Homeowner Flood Protection Grant Scheme. 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 help mitigate the impact of flooding by preventing or reducing water damage."

The Minister continued: "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.

"Adapting to climate is one of the Department’s seven Foundations for a Better Future. 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."

The revised threshold is available for successful applicants who apply from April 2025. Full details of the scheme are available here.