€104,000 in adaptation grants unused in Longford
“Spiralling costs” have been identified as the reason that more than €104,000 in grants have been unused by Longford County Council.
Sinn Féin Deputy Sorca Clarke says €104,645 worth of grants meant to help older people and people with disabilities were not drawn down by the Longford council last year.
Deputy Clarke says grant limits are too low for works to be feasible, meaning that people are missing out on adaptations required in their homes.
The figures were released to Sinn Féin TD Thomas Gould.
The Disabled Persons Grants scheme enables older people and people with disabilities living in social housing to carry out adaptations in their homes.
Deputy Clarke says “huge portions” of the allocations are not being drawn down: “In 2022, a funding allocation of €290,306 was made to Co Longford but just €185,661 was drawn down. This meant that €104,645 in available funding was not used. This means that people in Longford who need these adaptations aren’t receiving them and the money is gathering dust.”
Last week it was announced by Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien TD that Longford is to receive €848,601 in funding for Housing Adaptation Grants for Older and Disabled people.
Of the 2023 funding allocation of €848,601 for Longford, the Exchequer will provide €678,881. Longford County Council will provide the remaining €169,720.
Deputy Clarke says the reason for the poor uptake is because the money available does not cover the cost of the work: “The amounts awarded are so low that they aren’t feasible due to rising construction costs caused by inflation. The scheme isn’t able to keep pace with these costs and in the meantime, much-needed adaptations can’t go ahead.”
Deputy Clarke said the issue must be addressed: “The Department of Housing and Longford County Council must look into this issue urgently, to ensure that the scheme can operate as intended without delay.”Sinn Féin Deputy Sorca Clarke says €104,645 worth of grants meant to help older people and people with disabilities were not drawn down by the Longford council last year.
Deputy Clarke said the issue must be addressed: “The Department of Housing and Longford County Council must look into this issue urgently, to ensure that the scheme can operate as intended without delay.”