Council receives funding to upgrade social housing stock
Áras an Chontae, Roscommon Town.
A total of €443,424 in funding for Roscommon County Council to carry out adaptations, extensions, and other improvements to its social housing stock has been announced.
Today, the Department of Housing, Heritage and Local Government announced €23m funding for local authorities around the country.
This Disabled Persons Grant will ensure homes are adapted to allow older people and those with disabilities to continue living independently, while also providing funding for major modifications such as extensions to relieve overcrowding.
This scheme funds essential home modifications for people with mobility or disability needs. These include minor 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 also 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.
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne said this funding will significantly improve housing conditions for older tenants and those with disabilities.
“It will also help tackle overcrowding in social housing and offer an alternative for those currently living in overcrowded private accommodation,” he said. “This scheme also clearly demonstrates this Government’s commitment to enabling older and disabled people to continue to live independently.”
Senator Gareth Scahill welcomed the funding, saying it would help improve housing conditions for older tenants and those with disabilities.
“I am delighted to see that €399,090 has been allocated for Roscommon, with the local authority adding €44,424 as a local contribution,” the Fine Gael senator said. “Fine Gael is committed to enabling older and disabled people to continue to live independently.”
