Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 22 January 2026
410. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if additional funding will be made available to Carlow County Council in 2026 for housing adaptation grants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5286/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra411. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if additional funding will be made available to Kilkenny County Council in 2026 for housing adaptation grants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5287/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 410 and 411 together.
My Department provides Exchequer funding to local authorities under the Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and Disabled People scheme, to assist people in private houses to make their accommodation more suitable for their needs. The suite of grants include the Housing Adaptation Grant for Disabled People, the Mobility Aids Grant and the Housing Aid for Older People Grant, which are now 85% funded from the Exchequer, with a 15% contribution from the resources of the local authority under the revised scheme which commenced from 1 December 2024. The detailed administration of the scheme including assessment, approval, prioritisation and budgetary apportionment is the responsibility of local authorities.
Budget 2026 provided for an increase of €30m in the funding provision for the Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and Disabled People, with almost €130 million in Exchequer funding available for the Scheme, or over €152 million when accounting for the local authority contribution. This will ensure that all local authorities receive an increase in funding allocations in 2026.
My Department advises local authorities annually that, as far as practicable, a percentage of the allocation under the schemes should be ring fenced in respect of any emergency applications which might arise under these schemes during the course of the year. Consequently, all local authorities manage their schemes to ensure access to the grants programme is maintained to the extent possible throughout the year on a priority basis.
In advance of formal notification of the 2026 funding allocations to local authorities, which will issue shortly, work in respect of these programmes can continue as local authorities may commit up to 75% of their 2025 allocation in approving applications for 2026. This ensures seamless continuation of these grant schemes from year to year.
