Rising construction costs and the failure to increase grant limits under housing adaptation schemes will result in many people being excluded from accessing grant funding to enable them to stay in their own home, Denis Naughten TD has stated.

The Government this week announced an 8.3% national increase in allocations under the Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability schemes with Roscommon County Council having €1,412,065 available under the scheme and Galway County Council having €3,306,875.

“While the increased funding is welcome the failure to increase the maximum grants available, with current limits set at €30,000 for those with a disability and €8,000 for older people, means that many people will be excluded from the schemes as they will not be able to meet the funding shortfall which will occur due to rising construction costs,” stated Denis Naughten.

“These schemes are incredibly important as they help both older people and those with a disability to continue to live in their own homes and they also help to relieve pressure on our hospital and nursing home systems. That is why the maximum grant rates available must be reviewed and I will be raising this issue with the Minister for Housing in the Dáil next week.”

ENDS.