Call for house adaptation grant increase

An appeal for the urgent increasing of grant levels for house adaptation has been made by Kildare South based Senator Mark Wall.

He says because the maximum level of grant aid hasn't been changed 'for a long number of years', applicants are getting quotations for work 'dramatically' above the €30,000 current limit.

“These grants have over many years provided a lifeline for those with disabilities and medical conditions who want to remain in their homes," Senator Wall says. "In doing so it has saved the state millions of pounds in hospital costs. The grants have also allowed our older population to upgrade their homes and insulate them to a very comfortable degree."

The answer to a recent Parliamentary Question from Senator Wall's Labour colleague Deputy Duncan Smith noted that a review of the system is under way. Senator Wall says the situation is now getting serious.

"I am trying to help families whose loved ones remain in hospital simply because they cannot get a contractor to complete the works for the current grants offered by the local authorities. It is causing a lot of stress for families and the Minister and his Department need to move quickly with this review.

"Time is running out for many families to secure their loved ones in their own homes where they want to be, and, with some movement on these grant levels, they could be."

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