Allocation of €2.3m in housing adaptation grants to Sligo slammed as inadequate
The meeting unanimously agreed to the suspension of the standing orders and Cllr Bree proposed the motion which was seconded by Cllr Arthur Gibbons and was unanimously adopted
Speaking to the motion Cllr Bree said: 'Last week all of us were shocked to learn that the Council's Housing Department has not been provided with sufficient funding by the Department of Housing and Local Government to allow the Council to allocate necessary grant aid to many people who have submitted applications for Housing Adaptation Grants for People with a Disability, for Mobility Aid Grants and for Housing Aid for Older People grants.
'This is clearly unacceptable and the Minister for Housing and the Government now need to take immediate action to ensure that adequate funding is provided as a matter of urgency.
'The shortfall in funding will have dire consequences for vulnerable people who require grant assistance.
'This issue is not just about financial constraints; it's about ensuring dignity, independence, and safety for those most in need within our community.
'We know from experience that older people and people with a disability are keen to remain living independently at home.
'Housing adaptations schemes are key to this independence and give people the autonomy and confidence to live a full and active life.
'They are also important in reducing pressure on the HSE and social care services.
'Adaptations such as walk-in showers and stairlifts help to reduce falls, sustain better health, lessen dependence on others for care, and ease hospitals and nursing homes.
'It is totally unacceptable that the very people these grants aim to assist are left abandoned due to insufficient funding being provide by the government.
'The Taoiseach and the Minister must recognise the urgency of the situation and allocate the necessary resources to ensure that vulnerable individuals and families receive the support they desperately need to live with dignity and security in their own homes.'
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Irish Independent
5 days ago
- Irish Independent
Allocation of €2.3m in housing adaptation grants to Sligo slammed as inadequate
Funding of €2,386.054 has been allocated to Sligo County Council by the Department of Housing and Local Government for the provision of Housing Adaptation Grants for People with a Disability, Mobility Aid Grants and Housing Aid for Older People grants but this is inadequate said Cllr Bree who called on the Taoiseach and the Minister for Housing and Local Government to take the necessary action to ensure that increased and adequate funding is allocated to the Council as a matter of urgency. The meeting unanimously agreed to the suspension of the standing orders and Cllr Bree proposed the motion which was seconded by Cllr Arthur Gibbons and was unanimously adopted Speaking to the motion Cllr Bree said: 'Last week all of us were shocked to learn that the Council's Housing Department has not been provided with sufficient funding by the Department of Housing and Local Government to allow the Council to allocate necessary grant aid to many people who have submitted applications for Housing Adaptation Grants for People with a Disability, for Mobility Aid Grants and for Housing Aid for Older People grants. 'This is clearly unacceptable and the Minister for Housing and the Government now need to take immediate action to ensure that adequate funding is provided as a matter of urgency. 'The shortfall in funding will have dire consequences for vulnerable people who require grant assistance. 'This issue is not just about financial constraints; it's about ensuring dignity, independence, and safety for those most in need within our community. 'We know from experience that older people and people with a disability are keen to remain living independently at home. 'Housing adaptations schemes are key to this independence and give people the autonomy and confidence to live a full and active life. 'They are also important in reducing pressure on the HSE and social care services. 'Adaptations such as walk-in showers and stairlifts help to reduce falls, sustain better health, lessen dependence on others for care, and ease hospitals and nursing homes. 'It is totally unacceptable that the very people these grants aim to assist are left abandoned due to insufficient funding being provide by the government. 'The Taoiseach and the Minister must recognise the urgency of the situation and allocate the necessary resources to ensure that vulnerable individuals and families receive the support they desperately need to live with dignity and security in their own homes.'
Irish Independent
28-07-2025
- Irish Independent
Galway City Council housing amendment receives high praise
The proposal was made by Cllr Evelyn Francis Parsons to 'formally recognise and support the housing needs of Irish-born emigrants returning to Ireland,' the report says. The amendment was adopted in June and inputted into the scheme to be in conjunction with the Safe Home Ireland programme. This programme provides information and support for Irish emigrants at home and abroad - specifically older Irish emigrants who face suitable accommodation conflicts when returning to the country. 'The Council acknowledges the unique vulnerabilities and contributions of returning emigrants and aims to ensure equitable access to social housing supports.' The report states that criteria for eligibility for housing support are: Be Irish-born and aged 57 or over. Be living abroad in rented accommodation. Be capable of independent living. Be unable to afford housing in Ireland from personal income or saving. Giving recognition to Irish born emigrants for the scheme was a 'labour of commitment and conviction,' Cllr Francis Parsons said. 'For those of you who think this is not a big deal or a waste of time,' she added it's the 'equivalence of putting a light in the window' for Irish natives to return. This consideration is 'for real people who wish or need to return and reintegrate into their communities.' 'Our own diaspora must be seen and feel important.' Cllr Francis Parsons said she is 'proud that Galway City Council are leaders' in making this change. She adds that it is a 'small change on paper but it holds deep meaning to the returning Irish emigrants.' In conclusion of the report, it said: 'This amendment ensures that those who once left Ireland in search of opportunity are welcomed back with dignity and support.' Clarifying that the inclusion of this amendment does not imply preferential treatment to any applicants.
Irish Independent
28-07-2025
- Irish Independent
Lord Mayor invites Barack and Michelle Obama to accept Freedom of Dublin
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