€23m funding approved to upgrade social housing stock

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

Westmeath is to receive €493,852 from the government and the council is to provide €54,872.

In a statement, the department said:

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, including 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.

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne said: “This funding will significantly improve housing conditions for older tenants and those with disabilities. It will also help tackle overcrowding in social housing and offer an alternative for those currently living in overcrowded private accommodation.

“The scheme also demonstrates this government’s commitment to enabling older and disabled people to continue to live independently.”

Minister of State with responsibility for Older People Kieran O’Donnell said: “My 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. This funding announcement is a positive measure in contributing to that.”

Minister of State with responsibility for Planning and Local Government John Cummins said: “I’m 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.”

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, and the local authorities provide the remaining 10%.