Almost €2.5 million in funding announced to assist older and disabled people in Waterford

Almost €2.5 million in funding has been announced for Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and Disabled People in Waterford.

Details of the funding, which will be administered by Waterford City and County Council, has been confirmed by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien and Minister of State for Local Government and Planning, Alan Dillon.

A total of €1,949,925 has been allocated by the Department while the local authority will put forward an additional €487,481.

The scheme, which will total €93 million across the country, assists 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. 

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Commenting following the announcement, Minister O’Brien said: “I am delighted that we are able to allocate increased funding in 2024 to ensure delivery of these much needed grants which will allow local authorities 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.”  

Under the scheme, 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.  

Nationally, it is expected the funding will facilitate around 13,000 grants for older people and disabled people to facilitate them living independently in their own homes.