Almost €3 million earmarked for Laois housing grants for older and disabled people

The Government has announced that over €2,852,127 has been provided for Home Adaption Grants to support older people and disabled people in Laois.

The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD, announced €129.5 million in funding for Housing Adaption Grants across the country on Monday, March 9. 

When combined with contributions from local authorities, the projected funding will amount to over €152 million in 2026 which will see the delivery of around 17,000 claims.

This year's allocation for the grant has risen by €30 million, a continuation of the year-on-year funding increases since 2014.

The purpose of the grant is to help older people and disabled people live independently in their own homes. 

Under the scheme, grants of up to €40,000 are available to assist disabled people in carrying out necessary works to make their home more suitable for their needs.

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Grants of up to €10,700 are also available to help older people have necessary repairs or improvements carried out in their homes. Additionally, grants of up to €8,000 are available for mobility aids.

Grants can be used for accessible bathroom facilities, accessible showers, stair lifts, grab rails, adding downstairs bedrooms and bathrooms, as well as ramps for improving access to homes.

In Laois, €2,424,308 has been provided in funding from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. Laois County Council will add to this sum by contributing €427,819.

The funding has been welcomed by Laois TDs, Sean Fleming and Willie Aird.

Commenting on the announcement, Deputy Fleming said: "I commend the work of Laois County Council for the key role they play in organising these grants, assessing the applications, arranging home inspections where adaptations are proposed and in turn enabling older and disabled people to maintain their independence in their homes.

"I would urge people who are waiting on these grants or want to apply for works to be carried out to contact Laois County Council to discuss their requirements so that these improvements can be carried out to help them live in comfort in their homes."

Deputy Aird also praised Laois County Council's role in administering the grants and said he has seen the impact these grants have on local people.

"These grants are crucial in enabling Laois County Council to further support older and disabled individuals to adapt their homes to suit their needs and to maintain their independence.

"I have met many recipients here in Laois and have seen the positive difference that adaptation works have made to their lives at home. The local economy also benefits through the provision of employment for local tradespeople."

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme