Laois Council housing tenants can avail of two new grants aimed to address the needs of older people, people with a disability and overcrowding.

The Department of Housing, Heritage and Local Government has today announced €23m funding for local authorities to carry out adaptations, extensions and other improvements to their existing social housing stock. 

The Department will provide Laois County Council with €532,970, while Laois County Council will contribute 10% of the fund: €59,219.

This Disabled Persons Grant will ensure homes are adapted to allow older people and those with disabilities to continue living independently, while also providing funding for major modifications such as extensions to relieve overcrowding.

This scheme funds essential home modifications for people with mobility or disability needs.

These include minor adaptations like stair-lifts, ramps, and grab rails, larger projects such as extensions to reduce overcrowding as well as creating accessible spaces like a downstairs bedroom, en-suite, or wet-room. 

The funding also extends to Improvement Works in Lieu scheme which allows works to be carried out on a privately owned house where the applicant has been approved for social housing.

Laois Fianna Fáíl TD, Deputy Sean Fleming, welcomed this funding dedicated to home improvements for older people and people with disabilities.

"The works that can be carried out under this scheme include adaptions, extensions and other improvements, stair-lifts, ramps, grab rails, downstairs bedrooms, bathrooms and wet-rooms," Deputy Fleming said.

"This scheme is designed to help older people and people with disabilities live in comfort with proper facilities in their homes.

The easiest way for elderly people or people with a disability to get a form is to phone Laois County Council on 057-8664000 or my office 057-8732692and an application form will be posted out directly to them in their home," he said.

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne announced the new grants on Monday.

“This funding will significantly improve housing conditions for older tenants and those with disabilities," he said.

"It will also help tackle overcrowding in social housing and offer an alternative for those currently living in overcrowded private accommodation.”

“This scheme also clearly demonstrates this Government’s commitment to enabling older and disabled people to continue to live independently," the Minister finished.

Minister of State with responsibility for Older People, Kieran O’Donnell also welcomed this news.

"My absolute priority as Minister with responsibility for older people is to empower older individuals to remain living in the homes and communities where they have made their lives," he said.

“This funding announcement is a positive measure in contributing to this.”

Minister of State with responsibility for Planning and Local Government John Cummins said he is 'committed to empowering local authorities' to deliver the Disabled Person Grant and the Improvement Work in Lieu of schemes.

“These grants are crucial for meeting the needs of local authority tenants and those awaiting social housing and play a key role in enabling people with disabilities to continue living autonomously," Minister Cummins said.

The Disabled Persons Grant and Improvement Works in Lieu schemes are administered directly by local authorities. Under both schemes, exchequer funding meets 90% of the cost of the works in each property, with the local authority providing the remaining 10%.

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