Social Democrats TD Cian O’Callaghan has expressed concern after new figures show that Government funding for housing adaptation grants have not kept pace with the rise in Ireland’s ageing population.
Deputy O’Callaghan, who is the party’s spokesperson on housing, said:
“The funding allocation announced by the Department of Local Government shows that 13,000 grants will be awarded this year. However, the charity Alone has pointed out that this is lower than the 13,588 grants funded 14 years ago in 2010.
“Since then, the over-65s population has increased from 515,100 people to 806,300.
“This year’s allocation is also less than the 13,698 awarded for 2023, which is simply not good enough.
“Despite a reported increase in funding for the grants in Budget 2024 to €75 million, the reality is that this figure simply replicates the amount for the previous year. In fact, some local authorities will receive less funding in 2024 than they did last year.
“It is also frustrating that two years after a review of the grants was commenced, a report is still awaited.
“In addition, despite a commitment from the previous Government that waiting lists for housing adaptations would be published by the end of 2019, we are now five years on and this has not been completed.
“These grants are vital in helping senior citizens and people with disabilities to remain living at home. It is essential that they are sufficiently funded and that the scheme is fit for purpose.”
June 3, 2024