Kilkenny Minister announces over €2.1m for Housing Adaptation Grants

The Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan TD, has today (30 May 2024) announced the allocation of over €2.1 in funding for Kilkenny for Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and Disabled People. 

This represents a 9% increase when compared to last year’s funding for Kilkenny and is part of €93m in funds allocated nationally in 2024.

Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and Disabled People assist the people of Kilkenny with the necessary adaptations, repairs or improvement works in order to make the accommodation more suitable to the needs of older and disabled people supporting them to live in their homes. 

80% (€1.7m) of the grant comes from Exchequer funding through the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. The remaining 20% (432k) in funding comes from Kilkenny County Council, who administer the scheme.

Commenting today Minister Noonan said:

“I am delighted that we are able to allocate increased funding for Kilkenny in 2024 to ensure delivery of these much needed grants which will allow Kilkenny County Council to continue to support older and disabled people to live independently and in their own homes. As I travel around the country I am regularly meeting and speaking with people who have received assistance through these grants and the difference they make in helping people to live independently for as long as possible is remarkable. These grants also support local economies, creating employment opportunities for local contractors and businesses which is very important.

“I am pleased that funding for our local authorities to administer this scheme has continued to increase year on year since 2014. This Government is committed to this scheme as these grants are fundamental in aiding older and disabled people in their daily lives. These grants have such a positive impact on the home life of the many beneficiaries and play a vital role in helping disabled people and people who are reaching an age in life when they are less mobile, to continue to live independently in their own homes. 

“As Minister of State, I am fully committed to supporting individuals to remain at home and within their own communities for as long as possible. The funding announced today will facilitate this goal for many,” he concluded.  

Grants of up to €30,000 are available to assist disabled people carry 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 and grants of up to €6,000 are available for mobility aids.  

When combined with the local authority contribution, funding of over €93 million in 2024 will deliver some 13,000 grants for older people and disabled people to facilitate them living independently in their own homes.

Fianna Fail Cllr John Coonan also welcomed the announcement.
“On my canvass I have met so many older and disabled people who have received this grant to adapt their homes.

"The grants assist people with a disability to have necessary adaptations, repairs or improvement works carried out in order to make their accommodation more suitable for their needs.

,” he added.