Louth and Meath County Councils will spend over €5.1m between them on Housing Adaptation Grants for Older and Disabled people for this year.
“A total fund of €83.125m has been allocated to this very important scheme for 2023,” said llocal Deputy, Fergus O’Dowd who pointed to the fact that there have been increases in the grant every year since 2014.
“Nationwide, this year’s allocation is set to result in facilitating 12,300 older people and people with disabilities live more independently in their own homes.
“Whilst this increased funding is welcome we must also take note of the marked rise in not only the cost of materials but the cost of labour for carrying out these works as well, so I think we should certainly be increasing the grants significantly in line with construction inflation in future rounds.
“I know from the numerous cases that come through my office that these housing adaptions and aids can be the difference between someone having to move to full-time care or being able to stay in their own home and maintain their independence.
“Grants of up to €30,000 are available to assist disabled people in carrying out necessary works to make a house more suitable for their needs.
Additionally, grants of up to €8,000 are available to assist older people to have necessary repairs or improvements carried out on their homes. Grants of up to €6,000 are also available for mobility aids,” Deputy O’Dowd explained.
“Empowering and enabling people to live as independently as possible in their own homes is at the heart of this – enhancing their lives, as well as those of their family members.
“But an added benefit to this grant scheme is that it will also boost the local economy, creating employment opportunities for local contractors.
“The ripple effect of this increased funding package will be wide-reaching,” Deputy O’Dowd concluded.
Applications for the grants can be made at the links below:
Louth CC Housing Grants – Louth County Council (louthcoco.ie)
Meath CC Housing Adaptation Grant | Meath.ie
