Donegal County Council has received €1.1 million in funding for upgrade works on its social housing stock to accomodate people with disabilities.
It’s part of a €23 million round of funding under the Disabled Persons Grant for local authorities nationwide to carry out work including adaptations, extensions and other improvements to their existing social housing stock.
A 10% rate of match funding from Donegal County Council will see a total fund of €1.3 million made available for such upgrades here.
This scheme is intended to fund 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 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 in a statement announcing the grants:
“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.”
“This scheme also clearly demonstrates this Government’s commitment to enabling older and disabled people to continue to live independently.”
Welcoming the allocation, Donegal Minister of State for Sport, Charlie McConalogue, said: “Donegal is receiving the fourth highest allocation in the country after Dublin, Tipperary and Cork and this funding is another example of government’s commitment to enabling our older and disabled people to continue to live independently here in Donegal.”
