Minister Cummins announces €4 million for Waterford to improve homes for Older and Disabled People

Minister of State for Planning & Local Government and Waterford TD John Cummins has today announced just over €4 million in funding for Housing Adaptation Grants for Older and Disabled People across Waterford.

Minister Cummins secured a 30% increase in funding on last year’s allocation from his own Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

The Department will provide over €3.45 million in funding and Waterford city and county council will contribute over €600,000,which will result in €4,065,941 in total being made available to support Waterford people who want to remain in their own home but need some support with adapting it to meet their changed needs.

Minister Cummins said “This is great news for Waterford as it sees another increase in funding for Housing Adaptation Grants for Older and Disabled People.

“I am acutely conscious that Housing Adaptation Grants can have a transformative impact on older persons and those with a disability; enabling them to live more independently, and to help them live in their homes longer, which is what we all want to see.

"Local authorities play a central role in administering these schemes and I expect Waterford City and County Council to drawdown this substantial figure allocated to them to ensure upgrades happen in a smooth and efficient manner to people’s homes across the city and county.”

Today’s announcement sees almost a €30 million increase in funding this year. In total €130 million will support 17,000 grants nationwide across the three categories;

Housing Adaptation Grant for persons with a disability

Provides grant support of up to €40,000 to adapt a home to meet the needs of a person’s disability. Examples of support provided include extending or adapting a home to facilitate a downstairs bedroom or accessible bathroom, wheelchair access ramps, grab rails or a fixed track hoist.

Housing Aid for Older Persons

Provides grant support of up to €10,700 for essential repairs to improve the condition of an older person's home so they can continue to live there. Examples include repairing or replacing a roof, replacing windows, electrical wiring, structural repairs, central heating, water or sanitary services.

Mobility Aid Grants

Provides grant support of up to €8,000 for older persons or those with a disability to help pay for basic work to address mobility issues in the home. Examples include level access showering facilities, ramps, stairlifts, grab rails etc.

Minister Cummins added: “The continued support of these grant schemes are a key Government commitment.

“These grants also support local economies, creating employment opportunities for local contractors.

“Through this work, local authorities are empowering older and disabled people in their daily routines, enabling them to maintain their independence within their own homes."