€2m to help older people and those with a disability in Kilkenny to remain at home

Almost €2 million in funding has been allocated to help older people and those living with a disability in Kilkenny city and county to remains in their homes.

A total of €1,950,014 in Government funding has been allocated to Kilkenny for Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability.

The funding is part of an overall €75 million fund for Housing Adaptation Grants across the country announced by Housing Minister Darragh O’Brien this morning.

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.

Kilkenny TD John McGuinness  said 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 up to €8,000 will be made available to assist older people to have necessary repairs or improvements carried out and up to €6,000 for mobility aids.

Deputy McGuinness said: “This is very positive news for Kilkenny as it will help our older citizens and those with disabilities to make vital changes to their homes in order to meet their medical and mobility demands.

“I’m aware of many individuals and families locally that will benefit greatly from these grants and will see a huge improvement in their quality of life once adaptions are carried out to their homes. It will give many the opportunity to remain living independently,” he added.

The Chairman of Kilkenny County Council, Cllr Andrew McGuinness, added: “I’m delighted with today’s announcement as we have been crying out for an increase in funding to meet the huge volume of applications for these grants. This will mean that Kilkenny County Council will be able to approve many more applications for families and individuals who really need the assistance.

“This grant scheme is one of the most important schemes available as it gives our elderly and people with disabilities the opportunity to make necessary adaptations to their homes so they can live comfortably and independently. The grants will create employment opportunities for local contractors,” added Cllr McGuinness (pictured below).