Funding boost for social housing in Waterford
The funding will help address the needs of older people and those with a disability
The announcement that €975,200 is to be provided to support the social housing stock in Waterford has been welcomed by Fine Gael's, Minister John Cummins and the Government Chief Whip and Minister for Mental Health, Fianna Fáil's, Minister Mary Butler.
Minister Cummins said the funding will help address the needs of older people, people with a disability and overcrowding.
Around the country €23 million in funding is being provided for local authorities to carry out adaptations, extensions and other improvements to their existing social housing stock.
Waterford City & County council will contribute €108,356, in addition to the €975,200, making the total €1,083,556.
“I am delighted to see that €975,200 has been allocated for Waterford. This funding will help improve housing conditions for older tenants and those with disabilities," said Minister Cummins.
"This Disabled Persons Grant ensures homes are adapted to allow older people and those with disabilities to continue living independently, while also addressing overcrowding," he added.
He said the scheme helps fund essential home modifications for people with mobility or disability needs. They include minor adaptations like stair-lifts, ramps, and grab rails, larger projects such as extensions to reduce overcrowding in addition as creating accessible spaces like a downstairs bedroom, en-suite, or wet-room.
“These grants are so important for meeting the needs of local authority tenants and those awaiting social housing in Waterford and play a key role in enabling people with disabilities to continue living autonomously," said Minister Cummins.
Meanwhile, Minister Butler commented: “This scheme funds essential home modifications for people with mobility or disability needs."
She also outlined the nature of the works for which funding will be provided and said: "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 Butler continued: “Today’s announcement comes as part of a national allocation by the Department of Housing, Heritage and Local Government of €23m funding for local authorities throughout the country."
“This funding will significantly improve housing conditions for older tenants and those with disabilities," she said.
"It will also help tackle overcrowding in social housing and offer an alternative for those currently living in overcrowded private accommodation," she added.
Minister Butler went on to comment: "Throughout my tenure as Minister for Older People my guiding principle was always to support older people to age well in their own homes for as long as possible."
