Burke announces €1.1m for Westmeath Housing Adaptation Grants

Westmeath is to receive an increased level of funding to provide home adaptations for older people and those living with disability and mobility issues.

Minister of State Peter Burke, who has responsibility for housing for older persons and people with disabilities, made the allocation.

He said: “These grants are important as they help our older citizens and those with disabilities and mobility issues to remain living independently in their own homes for longer should they wish and will also facilitate early return from hospital.

“I saw first-hand as a councillor the difference they make to many households across the county, and I am happy as minister to secure an increase in the funding, which will see more houses in Westmeath receiving upgrades.

“The grants are 80% funded from the exchequer by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and 20% funded from the relevant local authority.

“Westmeath County Council will have a combined total of €1.4 million (€1,134,657 from the department plus €283,664 it will allocate) to support people in Westmeath with the repairs and other adaptations they need to live in their homes, which is most welcome.”

Grants of up to €30,000 are available to help people with a disability in carrying out works required to make a house more suitable for their needs, up to €8,000 to assist older people to have necessary repairs or improvements carried out and up to €6,000 for mobility aids.

“These grants can help create employment opportunities for builders and businesses and help reduce the dependency on our health services by supporting independent living for as long as possible,” said Minister Burke.

“While the current shutdown in construction activity remains in place, people should know that housing adaptation works can continue with the consent of the homeowner and once public health guidelines are adhered to.”

“I am pleased that funding for local authorities to administer this scheme has been increasing year on year since 2014, and I was happy to secure a further increase in this year’s budget. This shows the importance that is attached to the scheme and the government’s commitment to older people and those with a disability.

“These grants have an huge impact on the quality of life of the many beneficiaries and play a vitally important role in helping people with a disability and people who are reaching an age in life when they are less mobile, to continue to live independently in their own homes.

“As minister of state with responsibility for housing for older people and people with a disability, I am fully committed to assisting individuals to stay in their own homes and within their own communities for as long as possible and these allocations today will facilitate this goal for many.”