Local Minister Denis Naughten is pleased to confirm that €3.4 million will be made available to improve and adapt housing for older people and people with a disability living in private houses across Roscommon-Galway.

This Government funding under the Housing Adaptations for Older People and People with a Disability Scheme will ensure older people and people with a physical, sensory or intellectual disability or mental health difficulty can remain living independently in their own homes for longer through structural adaptations and improvements to their homes.

Under this allocation Roscommon County Council is set to receive just over €1 million and Galway County Council has been allocated €2.3million which is an increase of 11% on last year’s allocation, confirms Naughten.

“This investment will fund house extensions for those with a disability as well as certain home adaptations such as stair lifts and access ramps that will improve mobility and comfort for people living in their own homes,” added Minister Naughten.

Minister Naughten stated: “This critically important government fund gives people peace of mind, improves quality of life and provides the opportunity to those who want to continue independent living in their own homes for as long as possible in comfort and in safety. Funding for all 31 local authorities has been increased this year,” added Naughten.

The grants are 80% funded from the exchequer with 20% funding from the relevant local authority. The 2018 nationwide allocation is €66.25 million under this Scheme.

“This funding not only benefits older people and those with a disability living in their own homes but it will also give a much needed boost to the local construction economy in Roscommon-Galway and across the midlands region as well,” concluded Minister Naughten.

“Grants of up to €30,000 are available to help people with a disability to carry out necessary works to their homes, up to €8,000 is available to assist older people living in poor housing conditions to have necessary repairs or improvements carried out and up to €6,000 for mobility aids, such as stair lifts, can be accessed under this Scheme.”

“I would really encourage a strong take up of the funding announced today,” concluded Minister Naughten.

Ends.