€3.3 million in funding for housing adaptations in Kilkenny
Funding of €3.3 million has been allocated for housing adaptations in Kilkenny.
Deputy John McGuinness, has welcomed the timely announcement of significant Government funding to support housing adaptations for older people and people with disabilities in Kilkenny.
Under the latest allocations announced by Minister for Housing, James Browne, a total of €2,846,893 in Exchequer funding has been allocated to Kilkenny, which will be topped up by €502,393 from Kilkenny County Council, bringing the total funding for the county to €3,349,286.
Deputy McGuinness said the funding is critically important in helping older people and those with disabilities remain living safely and independently in their own homes.
“This is very welcome and long-awaited funding for families across Kilkenny who rely on these grants to make essential improvements to their homes. These supports allow older people and people with disabilities to remain living independently and with dignity in their own communities,” Deputy McGuinness said.
“The Housing Adaptation Grants scheme is hugely important for families who need practical changes made to their homes – whether that is installing stairlifts, wheelchair access, accessible bathrooms, or other vital modifications that allow people to live safely at home.”
The Government has announced €129.5 million in Exchequer funding nationwide for Housing Adaptation Grants in 2026, representing an increase of €30 million compared with last year. When combined with contributions from local authorities, the total projected funding will exceed €152 million, which is expected to support around 17,000 grant claims nationwide.
Under the scheme, grants of up to €40,000 are available to assist people with disabilities to adapt their homes, while grants of up to €10,700 are available to support necessary home repairs for older people. Mobility Aid Grants of up to €8,000 are also available for works such as stairlifts, access ramps and walk-in showers.
Deputy McGuinness said the funding also provides an important boost to local employment and the construction sector.
“These grants not only improve quality of life for people but also support local contractors, builders and tradespeople who carry out these works in communities across Carlow and Kilkenny,” he said.
“I would encourage anyone who may qualify for these grants, or who has a family member who could benefit from them, to contact their local authority to find out more about the application process.”
Deputy McGuinness concluded by thanking the Department of Housing and local authority staff for their continued work administering the scheme.
“These grants make a real and meaningful difference to people’s lives, and I welcome this increased investment which will help many more households across our communities.”