Grant scheme to spend €23m upgrading social housing stock
Funding of €23m will be allocated to local authorities to carry out modifications to social housing stock for people with mobility or disability needs, the Department of Housing, Heritage and Local Government said on Monday.
The scheme will allow for adaptations, extensions, and improvements to houses and include 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 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.
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%.
Cork City Council has been granted €1.26m from the exchequer under the scheme with €943,000 allocated for Cork County Council. Dublin City Council has been allocated €3.1m, Tipperary €1.78m, Kerry €829,000, Clare €384,000, Limerick City and County €756,000, Waterford City and County €975,000. Each local authority will then provide 10% further funding towards the improvements.
'This funding will significantly improve housing conditions for older tenants and those with disabilities," said Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne.
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