Major funding boost announced to improve and upgrade social housing stock in Waterford

More than €1 million in funding has been allocated for social housing projects in Waterford which will help address the needs of older people, people with a disability and overcrowding.

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

A total of €975,200 has been allocated to Waterford City and County Council.

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.

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This scheme funds essential home modifications for people with mobility or disability needs such as minor adaptations like stair-lifts, ramps, and grab rails or 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 announced also extends to the 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 of State and Waterford TD John Cummins has welcomed the funding announcement.

“These grants are so important for meeting the needs of local authority tenants and those awaiting social housing in Waterford and play a key role in enabling people with disabilities to continue living autonomously," he said.

Waterford City and County council will contribute a further €108,356 in addition to the €975,200 bringing the total amount of funding to €1,083,556.