Dublin South will receive funding to support home adaptations for older people and those living with a disability in private houses, a local TD has said. Deputy Emer Higgins said, “My colleague, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage Darragh O’Brien has recently announced allocations to local authorities worth a total of €73.75 million in 2020 for Housing Adaptation Grants.
“These grants are vital as they enable older people and people with disabilities and mobility issues in Dublin South to remain living independently in their own homes for longer should they wish and will also facilitate early return from hospital. “The grants are 80% funded from the exchequer by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, with 20% funding from the relevant local authority.
“I am delighted that Dublin South has a combined total of €2,830,605 to support vulnerable people in the area with the necessary requirements they need to live in their homes.
“Grants of up to €30,000 are available to assist people with a disability in carrying out necessary works to make a house more suitable for their needs, up to €8,000 to assist older people living in poor housing conditions to have necessary repairs or improvements carried out and up to €6,000 for mobility aids to address mobility problems for a member of the household. “The Government remains committed to supporting older people to live in their own home with dignity and independence, for as long as possible. We also want to empower and give those with a disability the ability to choose the supports that most meet their needs.
“This funding announcement is in line with the commitments contained in the Programme for Government. “These grants are so important as they also create employment opportunities for builders and businesses in Dublin South and help reduce the dependency on our health services by supporting independent living for as long as possible.
Announcing the allocations, Minister O’Brien said “I am pleased to be in a position to increase the funding again for this important scheme in 2020, with all local authorities receiving an increase in funding compared to their 2019 allocation. “These grants have an huge impact on the quality of life of the many beneficiaries and play a vitally important role in helping people with a disability and people who are reaching an age in life when they are less mobile, to continue to live independently in their own homes.”
