Dermot Bannon denies payment for featuring government grants on Room To Improve

Cillian Sherlock, PA

Architect Dermot Bannon has denied receiving any payment from the Government for mentioning their grants on his RTÉ property programme.

Discussion about a vacant property refurbishment grant featured heavily in a recent episode of Room To Improve.

It has been reported that Bannon and a producer on the Coco Productions show received a briefing from the Department of Housing about the grants.

Bannon attended the launch of a property development with Minister for Housing Darragh O’Brien on Friday.

Asked by reporters at the event if he or his company had received a subvention for featuring the grant in the programme, Bannon replied: “No.”

Asked if he had any concerns about the controversy around the show featuring the grants, Mr O’Brien said: “Not at all.

“Sorry, these grants are working really well.

“I think to be fair, for any TV or radio show or any newspaper, it’s only right and proper that they do their research.

“7,500 families have applied for this grant. Over 4,000 have been approved – up to €70,000.

“It’s about taking vacant homes back into use and derelict homes.

“It’s making a real difference and I absolutely see no problem with that. I don’t actually understand why there will be any difficulty whatsoever of informing the public about what’s there to help them get a home.”

When an allegation that Bannon had received a departmental briefing was mentioned in a follow-up question to the Minister, the architect interjected: “Did I?”

While leaving the terrace where the questions took place, he added: “We’ve got a lot of house to get through, and I will talk to you after this.”

However, after a series of speeches and a tour of the newly developed properties, Bannon refused to answer any further questions. He then left the Wilkinsons Brook development in Hollystown.

Mr Bannon worked as a consultant on the project, which is described as featuring more than 50 A-rated affordable homes.

The homes feature concealed car ports, communal courtyard gardens, upper floor terraces, heat pumps, solar panels and pre-wiring for electric vehicles .

RTÉ, Coco Productions and the Department of Housing have been contacted for comment.