Funding of €642k granted to improve access in social homes

NATIONAL funding to the tune of €642,476 has been secured for the Disabled Persons Grant Scheme in County Wicklow.

The Disabled Persons Grant Scheme provides funding for extensions and adaptations to existing social housing stock such as grab rails, disabled access ramps, wet rooms, etc.

The scheme also provides extensions in cases of overcrowding.

In addition, the scheme provides funding for Improvement Works in Lieu in order to improve or extend privately owned accommodation where the occupant is already approved for social housing, reducing the strain on current social housing stock.

Minister of State Andrew Doyle welcomed the allocation this week and said that the funding will greatly support those living with disabilities in the county.

‘Some €642,476 will be paid by the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government, with an additional €71,386 coming from our Local Authority. This will greatly improve the housing conditions for those living with disabilities and addresses issues of overcrowding in existing social housing stock, while Improvement Works in Lieu provide an alternative to social housing for approved social housing applicants currently in private accommodation,’ he said.