Major €4m boost announced to help older and disabled people adapt homes across Waterford

More than €4 million in funding has been announced for Waterford to help older people and those living with disabilities adapt their homes and continue living independently.

The funding forms part of a national €129.5 million Government package for Housing Adaptation Grants, which will support thousands of home improvements across the country this year.

Waterford will receive €3,456,050 in exchequer funding, with Waterford City and County Council contributing €609,891, bringing the total funding available locally to €4,065,941.

Welcoming the funding, Minister of State for Planning and Local Government and Waterford TD John Cummins, said the investment would make a real difference to many families across the city and county.

"This is great news for Waterford as it sees another increase in funding for Housing Adaptation Grants for Older and Disabled People," Minister Cummins said.

"I am acutely conscious that Housing Adaptation Grants can have a transformative impact on older persons and those with a disability; enabling them to live more independently, and to help them live in their homes longer, which is what we all want to see."

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The Government said the funding increase of almost €30 million nationally will help deliver around 17,000 grants this year to support older people and people with disabilities.

Under the scheme, grants of up to €40,000 are available to help adapt homes for people with disabilities. This can include work such as installing wheelchair ramps, adapting bathrooms, creating downstairs bedrooms or installing specialist equipment such as hoists.

Grants of up to €10,700 are available through the Housing Aid for Older Persons scheme to help older people carry out essential home repairs, including roof repairs, window replacements, electrical works or heating upgrades.

Mobility Aid Grants of up to €8,000 are also available to help older people and people with disabilities carry out smaller works such as installing stairlifts, level-access showers, ramps or grab rails.

Minister Cummins said local authorities play a key role in delivering the scheme and urged that the funding be fully used to support Waterford households.

"Local authorities play a central role in administering these schemes and I expect Waterford City and County Council to drawdown this substantial figure allocated to them to ensure upgrades happen in a smooth and efficient manner to people's homes across the city and county," he said.

He added that the grants not only support independent living but also provide a boost to the local economy.

"These grants also support local economies, creating employment opportunities for local contractors," Minister Cummins said.

"Through this work, local authorities are empowering older and disabled people in their daily routines, enabling them to maintain their independence within their own homes."