Calls to reduce contribution for Older People’s and Disabled grants

Cavan County Council is set to ask the Department of Housing to reduce the current 20 per cent contribution rate for local authorities for housing adaptation grants for older people and those with a disability by half.

The motion was backed by local elected members at their October monthly meeting. Fine Gael’s TP O’Reilly wants the level of contribution payable slashed to just 10 per cent, telling his fellow elected members that it would “ease the burden” on councils.

The suite of housing adaptation grants for older people and those with disability are for private home owners and are 80% funded by the Exchequer with a 20% contribution from the local authority.

Grants of up to €30,000 are available under the Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability towards works to make a house more accessible.

Fianna Fáil’s Philip Brady supported the motion, describing it as “worthy” given the “times we’re in” and the “costs” associated with such works.

Cllr Winston Bennett (FG) also supported the motion.