A special €2.1m fund in the South Dublin County Council area will allow older people and those with disabilities to live independently by adapting their own private homes, according to Minister, Katherine Zappone.
The Minister says the Government is making the money available to allow changes to make a home more suitable for person with a physical, sensory, intellectual disability or with mental health difficulties as well as older people.
The special Housing Adaption Grants will fund works such as wheel-chair ramps and accessibility, small extensions for extra space, ground floor bathrooms and toilets as well as stair-lifts.
Welcoming the grants Minister Zappone added: “Older people and people with disabilities want to live in the communities they know, surrounded by family, friends and neighbours. These special grants will allow that. Government places great importance on this scheme and is providing 80% of the funding with the remainder coming from South Dublin County Council.
Grants of up to €30,000 are available for some-one with a disability to carry out works to make their home more suitable for their needs. Older people living in poor housing conditions can get a grant of up to €8,000. There is also support of up to €6,000 for mobility aids.
In addition to the benefits for the people concerned they scheme will also generate work for local builders and tradespeople. This scheme has been changing lives in our communities since 2007, however this year there is a significant 11% increase in support.
I would urge the Council to ensure there is a lot of awareness about the help available by promoting it online, through their public offices and libraries. In Rathfarnham, Tallaght and Citywest we have close knit neighbourhoods where people look out for each other. It is very important. Now through these grants more people will be able to stay in their home and continue to enjoy being part of their local community.”
