Senator Malcolm Byrne has welcomed the government announcement on Monday that Wexford County Council will this year have a record budget of over €2.5m for insulating and adapting the homes of the elderly and those with a disability. This investment is part of the national €75m fund announced for Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability. 

The fund, which supports home adaptations for older people, those with a disability and people with mobility issues, is 80% exchequer funding through the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, with 20% funding from the relevant local authority.

Those who wish to avail of funding apply through Wexford County Council and Malcolm Byrne stated he will be happy to help anyone with their application.  

Grants of up to €30,000 are available to assist people with a disability in carrying out necessary works to make a house more suitable for their needs, up to €8,000 to assist older people to have necessary repairs or improvements carried out and up to €6,000 for mobility aids.  

Malcolm pointed out,

“These grants help people to live in their own homes as well as providing employment opportunities for local contractors.”

“He added that while the current shutdown in construction activity remains in place, housing adaptation works can continue with the consent of the homeowner and once public health guidelines are followed.“