Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 22 January 2026
426. Deputy Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the reason a pensioner (details supplied) has not received essential repair works to their home; if he will prioritise these emergency works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5336/26]
View answerMy Department provides funding to local authorities under the Disabled Persons Grants scheme to carry out works on social homes to address the needs of older people, people with a disability or overcrowded situations. Typical works include adaptations such as stair-lifts, level deck showers, ramps and grab rails, widening door opening widths, and improving circulation spaces. Extensions to provide for ground floor bathrooms and bedrooms can also be supported.
Ultimately, it is a matter for local authorities to identify and agree the works to be completed in any given year, with the scheme parameters.
In advance of the annual allocations being agreed, local authorities are permitted to complete works to the value of up to 65% of the previous year’s allocation. This allows critical works to continue without the need for formal approval. Thereafter, and based on the actual needs of the sector, my Department issues a single full year allocation which allows local authorities plan, prioritise and implement the programme to carry out the works necessary to meet the needs of their tenants in the year in question.
A submission has been received from Wicklow County Council and it includes the property in question on the proposed programme of works. It is a matter for the local authority to prioritise these works as it deems appropriate. My Department has no role in this regard.
