Over €500,000 to be spent on upgrading Westmeath's social housing

Government funding of some €494,000 has been announced for upgrades to Westmeath's social housing stock.

An additional local contribution from Westmeath County Council, of €54,000, is set to bring the total available for the works to almost €550,000.

The funding has been welcomed by Minister of State and local TD, Kevin 'Boxer' Moran.

He said Disabled Persons Grant funding will ensure homes are adapted to allow older people and those with disabilities to continue living independently, while also providing funding for major modifications such as extensions to relieve overcrowding.

This scheme funds essential home modifications for people with mobility or disability needs. These include minor adaptations like stair-lifts, ramps, and grab rails, larger projects such as extensions to reduce overcrowding as well as creating accessible spaces like a downstairs bedroom, en-suite, or wet-room.

The funding also extends to the 'Improvement Works in Lieu' scheme which allows works to be carried out on a privately owned house where the applicant has been approved for social housing.

Minister of State Moran said: "This funding that is made available to Westmeath County Council will greatly assist with improving housing conditions for older tenants and those with disabilities, areas which remain a key focus for me.

"It will also help tackle overcrowding in social housing and offer an alternative for those currently living in overcrowded private accommodation.

"It is very important that older and those with disabilities have the opportunity to continue to live independently in their local communities.

"This scheme also clearly demonstrates this Government’s commitment to enabling older and disabled people to continue to live independently."

The Disabled Persons Grant and Improvement Works in Lieu schemes are administered directly by local authorities. Under both schemes, exchequer funding meets 90% of the cost of the works in each property, with the local authority providing the remaining 10%.