Grants for adapting the housing of older people and those with a disability need to be reviewed due to rising construction costs.
Galway TD Denis Naughten said that failing to increase the grant limits will lead to many people being excluded from the schemes, as they cannot meet the shortfall themselves.
The government announced earlier this week that Galway would receive almost €4.5 million to adapt the housing of older people and those with disabilities.
The scheme was allocated a total of €81.25 million in 2022, which was an 8.3% increase in funding on the previous year.
Deputy Naughten said that the increased funding for the scheme is welcome, but took aim at the maximum grant limits.
These are currently set at at €30,000 for those with a disability t carry out adaptation works, and €8,000 for older people.
“Many people will be excluded from the schemes as they will not be able to meet the funding shortfall which will occur due to rising construction costs,” stated Denis Naughten.
“These schemes are incredibly important as they help both older people and those with a disability to continue to live in their own homes and they also help to relieve pressure on our hospital and nursing home systems.”
“That is why the maximum grant rates available must be reviewed and I will be raising this issue with the Minister for Housing in the Dáil next week.”
