Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 November 2025
586. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the current average processing time for housing adaptation grant applications for 2025; how those compare with 2023 and 2024, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63359/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra667. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the funding allocated in 2023, 2024, and 2025 for housing adaptation grants for older people and people with disabilities; the number of grants awarded; the average turnaround time; and whether funding will be increased to meet rising demand. [63944/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 586 and 667 together.
My Department provides funding under the suite of Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and Disabled People, to assist those in private houses to make their accommodation more suitable for their needs. The suite of grants, which include the Housing Adaptation Grant for Disabled People, the Mobility Aids Grant and the Housing Aid for Older People Grant, are funded by my Department with a contribution from the local authority. The detailed administration of the scheme including assessment, approval, prioritisation and apportionment is the responsibility of local authorities.
My Department is working with local authorities to collect data on the date a valid application is received, approved and paid by a local authority. The data for 2024 is currently being collated with a view to making information available in due course.
Details of the allocations and drawdown for 2023 and 2024 are available on my Department's website at the following link:
www.gov.ie/en/department-of-housing-local-government-and-heritage/collections/other-local-authority-housing-scheme-statistics/.
The funding allocations for 2025 from the Exchequer provision of €99.5 million or €117 million when accounting for the local authority contribution issued to all local authorities on 12 May and are publicly available on my Department’s website at the following link:
www.gov.ie/en/department-of-housing-local-government-and-heritage/press-releases/13000-older-and-disabled-people-to-benefit-from-over-117-million-housing-adaptation-grant-funding/.
My Department completed a review of the Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability scheme in 2024. The Housing (Adaptation Grants for Older People and Disabled People) Regulations 2024 (S.I. No. 612 of 2024), which came into effect on 1 December 2024, provide the legal basis for the introduction of the recommendations set out in the review. The key changes include an increase in the grant limits of over 30% and the income thresholds by 25% whilst also revising the means test. The legislation also adjusts the burden sharing for local authorities by reducing the local authority funding contribution to 15% (from the previous 20%). The Report on the Review is available on my Department’s website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-housing-local-government-and-heritage/publications/report-on-the-review-of-the-housing-adaptation-grants-for-older-people-and-people-with-a-disability/.
Budget 2026 provides a further increase of €30 million for the scheme, with almost €130 million available, continuing the year on year increases since 2014. This increase will facilitate the continued implementation of the recommendations set out in the review ensuring that the grants remain fit for purpose for older and disabled people.
