€5m for housing adaptation grants

PEOPLE across the north Cork region have been urged to avail of a Cork County Council initiative to adapt the homes of the elderly and those with a disability or mobility problems.

Under the Housing Adaptation Grants Scheme successful applicants will receive a grant to make necessary changes to their houses that will allow them to remain living independently within their own communities.

Almost €5 million has been set aside by the government and the local authority for the scheme, which has three key elements.

The housing adaptation element allows older people to undertake structural works such as buildings downstairs bedrooms and extensions.

The housing aid for older people category makes provision for repairs such as rewiring, dry lining and the replacement of doors and windows.

The mobility aids housing grant will help cover the cost of installing access ramps, hand rails, showers, smoke alarms and stair lifts.

Funding of up to €30,000 is available under the housing adaptation grant, up to €8,000 under the mobility aids grant and €6,000 under the mobility aids section of the initiative.

Cllr John Paul O’Shea (Ind) welcomed the funding, which is broadly in line with the monies allocated to the scheme last year.

“Over recent years there has been a huge volume of activity under the auspices of this scheme, with an ever increasing demand for money to undertake what are often essential adaptations. These works are vital in that they allow people to remain living in their own homes and communities,” said Cllr O’Shea.

Cllr O’Shea said that while the eligibility criteria for the scheme had been changed significantly by the government in recent years, this should not put people off from applying for grants.

“Assisting older people, people with mobility problems and people with disabilities to continue to live in their homes has always been one of my top priorities as a public representative,” he said.

“It is crucial that the people who are most in need of this scheme can avail of the appropriate adaptations,” he added.

For more information about the scheme visit www.corkcoco.ie and follow the links to the housing section or contact 022 21123.