Finian McGrath announces approval of €14million under the Disabled Persons Grant Scheme

Minister for Disabilities, Finian McGrath today announced funding of €14m to help elderly people and those with disabilities continue living in the comfort of their own homes.

This marks a €2m increase on the funding that was allocated in 2017.

The Disabled Persons Grant Scheme provides funding for extensions and adaptations to existing social housing stock such as grab rails, disabled access ramps, wet rooms etc. The Scheme also provides extensions in cases of overcrowding.

 “This will greatly improve the housing conditions for our older tenants and those living with disabilities and address issues of overcrowding in existing social housing stock,” Minister McGrath said.

This Scheme alleviates the need for elderly people and those with disabilities to be placed in high support accommodation and allows them to continue living in the comfort of their own homes. Exchequer funding meets 90% of the cost of the works, with the local authority providing the remaining 10%.

 The Scheme also provides funding for Improvement Works in Lieu of Social Housing (IWIL’s) in order to improve or extend privately owned accommodation, where the applicant is already approved for social housing.

 This allows people to remain in private housing while their housing need is met without increasing the strain on current social housing stock and also reduces the numbers of persons who might otherwise find themselves homeless.

 Minister English said “I am very pleased today to allocate funding of €14million under this scheme. This is an increase of €2million on the 2017 allocation. The scheme will be kept under review and I am prepared to provide further funding if the need arises”.

Improvement works on private homes in lieu of social housing will also provide an alternative for those currently experiencing overcrowding in private accommodation. It is my intention to liaise with local authorities to maximise the uptake of this important scheme.”

 Minister McGrath thanked his Cabinet colleagues, Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy, and Minister of State English for their co-operation in securing the increased allocation.

 “I have had many discussions with Ministers Murphy and English regarding the need for the homes of people with disabilities to be as safe and user-friendly for them as possible. With their help and support, this funding will allow so many people to remain living independently in their homes rather than having to seek residential settings,” Minister McGrath said.