The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Dara Calleary TD has welcomed central government funding of over €2.5 million for Housing Adaptation Grants operated by Mayo County Council. The Local Authority is also allocating over €642,000 from its own resources, taking the total allocation to just over €3.2 million.
Minister Calleary commented: “This is an extremely important announcement and provides vital funding for adaptation grants for older people and people living with a disability.”
“This funding can cover the costs associated with residents needing access ramps, special rails, stair lifts or even downstairs washing facilities.”
Three distinct grant types are available:
The Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability assists people with a disability to have necessary adaptations, repairs or improvement works carried out in order to make their accommodation more suitable for their needs.
The Mobility Aids Grant is available to fast track grants to cover a basic suite of works to address the mobility problems of a member of a household. Qualifying works include the provision of stair lifts, level access showers, access ramps, grab rails and some minor adaptation works.
The Housing Aid for Older People provides grants of up to €8,000 to assist older people living in poor housing conditions to have necessary repairs or improvements carried out. Grant eligible works include structural repairs or improvements, re-wiring, repairs to or replacement of windows and doors, provision of water supply and sanitary facilities, provision of heating, cleaning, painting etc.
Minister Calleary added: “These grants create an opportunity for people to live a more independent life and to have a greater sense of dignity in their own home.”
“The application process for the grants has been made easier for older people and their family members. The government is using very plain language in the application process. The application form can be downloaded here or members of the public can get a copy of the form from the Housing Grants Section of Mayo County Council or from their website.
“Once the form is completed it should be returned to Mayo County Council for processing,” concluded the Minister.
