Housing adaptation grant windfall

Cavan is to receive almost €1.17 million under a scheme aimed a improving the homes of the elderly. The announcement by the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government of the funding will be augmented buy Cavan County Council who will add an extra 20%,to bring the total figure to €1,457,964.

The housing adaptation grant is available where changes need to be made to a home to make it suitable for a person with a physical, sensory or intellectual disability or mental health difficulty to live in.

The grants support some of the most vulnerable people. It is to assist with changes and adaptations to the homes of the elderly. The scheme approves works to make homes wheelchair-accessible, create more space, adding a ground-floor bathroom or toilet or stair-lifts. In some cases, the provision of heating can be included, but only under certain conditions.

Welcoming the announcement Heather Humphreys, Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, said the scheme is subject to certain terms and conditions: “I would urge anyone interested in applying for a grant to first check if they are eligible. Total household income is assessed to determin qualification for the grant and the amount payable, and an occupational therapist's assessment may be required. You will also need to provide certain tax information, among other requirements.”

Fine Gael Senator, Joe O’Reilly, said the grant scheme fulfils a vital function: “Ensuring older members of our communities and people who have a disability are provided with the supports they require is of the utmost importance, particularly in making sure their home is appropriately adapted for their health needs.”