The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien TD, and Minister of State for Local Government and Planning, Kieran O’Donnell TD, have today (02 May 2023) announced €2.30m in funding for Housing Adaptation Grants for Older and Disabled people in Waterford in 2023.
Nationally, €83.125m has been allocated for these grants to benefit 12,300 people, a 2.3% increase on the 2022 initial allocation. This represents a continuation of the year-on-year increases in the grant since 2014.
This funding will help facilitate older people and disabled people in Waterford to live independently in their own homes.
Of the 2023 funding allocation of €2.30m for Waterford City and County, the Exchequer will provide €1.84m. Waterford City and County Council will provide the remaining €460,513.
Increased funding
Commenting today Minister O’Brien said:
“I am delighted to allocate increased funding in 2023 to deliver Housing Adaptation Grants for Older and Disabled people in Waterford. This allocation will build on the success of last year where we exceeded the number of home adaptations initially targeted nationally. We want to empower and enable people to live independently in their own homes for as long as possible – these grants help us to do just that. They also provide a boost to the local economy in Waterford, creating employment opportunities for local contractors.”
Minister O’Donnell added;
“I am pleased that funding for our local authorities to administer Housing Adaptation Grants has been increasing year-on-year since 2014. This Government is committed to this scheme as it is essential in supporting older and disabled people in their daily lives. These grants have a huge bearing on the home life of their many beneficiaries and play a critical role in helping disabled people and those reaching an age when they are less mobile, to continue to live independently in their own homes.
“As Minister of State with responsibility for housing for older people and disabled people, I am fully committed to supporting individuals in Waterford to continue living independently at home and within their own communities. The funding announced today will facilitate this goal.”
Adapted for needs
Minister for Older People, Mary Butler TD, has welcomed today's announcement.
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 available for mobility aids.
Minister for Mental Health & Older People Mary Butler stated:
“This is a very effective funding stream which can make a real difference in the everyday life and general standard of living for older people, those with mobility issues and people with disabilities, all of whom may have complex needs which require costly home adaptions.
“This avenue of funding also plays a crucial role in enabling people with a disability and people who are reaching that stage in life when they may be experiencing limited mobility, to continue to live independently in the familiarity of their own homes.
Reduce dependency on health services
Minister Butler continued: “In supporting independent living and facilitating early returns from hospital through such home adaptions, we can also help reduce the dependency on our health services. These grants will also provide a welcome boost to local economies, creating employment opportunities for local contractors.
“Under the scheme, older people who may be living in what may be considered poor housing conditions can apply for up to €8,000 for necessary improvements and repairs.
"There is also up to €6000 available for mobility aids should a member of the household be experiencing mobility issues.
“This year’s national funding allocation of €83.125m, a 2.3% increase on last year, is expected to result in some 12,300 grants for older people and disabled people nationally, to facilitate them living independently in their own homes.
“I understand that potential applicants may require assistance with the application process and my office remains available to anyone seeking an application form or general advice and support,” concluded Minister Butler.
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