Laois councillors want more done to keep elderly and disabled comfortable in their homes
Laois County Council is to write to the Department of Housing seeking a review of the Housing Adaptation Grant thresholds.
Fine Gael Cllr Thomasina Connell requested the move in a motion at the last meeting of Laois County Council.
She asked: “That Laois County Council write to Minister Darragh O’ Brien T.D. at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage seeking that both the thresholds and the amount of the grant be increased for both the Housing Adaptation Grant for Older and People with a Disability.”
Cllr Connell said the maximum grant available under the scheme which helps cover works like window and door replacement is €8,000.
“It hasn’t actually been reviewed in ten years,” said Cllr Connell, who said the income threshold for the grants also needs to be reassessed.
"The price of everything has gone up but in particularly building materials,” she said.
Cllr Connell said in some cases where new windows and the grant doesn’t cover the full costs older people may be unable to get finance. She said the council should support people to stay in their own homes.
Sinn Fein Cllr Caroline Dwane Stanley supported the motion.
“I think it is vital and essential that we do everything in our power to keep the most vulnerable in a position where they can live in their own home,” she said.
“We know over the last couple of years the cost of building materials has gone through the roof,” said Cllr Dwane Stanley.
Fine Gael Cllr Willie Aird said he also fully supported the motion. He said if people prove beyond reasonable doubt that they don’t have the shortfall to make up the costs of a job on their home the difference should be provided.
“These are people we need to look after,” he said.