Michael Finneran, Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, announced the capital allocation of €1.66 million to Leitrim last Friday evening, March 5.
The grants, which are administered by the county co
uncils, are designed to address the specific housing needs of people with a disability and older people in their existing accommodation. Grants of up to €30,000 are available for necessary works and extensions to the homes of a person with a disability.
The Mobility Aids Grant scheme is available to fast-track grants of up to €6,000 to address acute mobility problems primarily associated with ageing. In the case of older people, grants of up to p10,500 are available to have necessary repairs or improvements carried out to their homes.
Announcing the allocations the Minister said "I am delighted, against the backdrop of a tight fiscal climate, to be able to provide this level of funding for the payment of grants in Leitrim in 2010.
"I am deeply committed to facilitating the continued occupancy of their own homes by older people and people with a disability. Many such people are well capable of living independently with only minimal supports provided their accommodation is warm, secure and meets their daily needs".
Local Fianna Fáil Senator John Ellis welcomed the provision of €1.66 million in funding to Leitrim saying, "This adaptation scheme is vitally important in assisting older people and people with a disability to continue living in their own homes. Eligible works under the scheme include provision of level access showers, the installation of stair lifts, grab rails, and access ramps.
"While the works are small they can make a considerable difference to the standard of living for many people. These small works also provide some much needed employment in our local communities and this is just one of the elements of the Government's job stimulus plan to keep people working.
"Funding allocated under the scheme is in addition to expenditure by local authorities on improving and extending their own social housing stock also," stated Senator John Ellis.
Sligo/North Leitrim Deputy Eamon Scanlon TD also welcomed the funding to Leitrim saying,
"These measures can often make the difference in someone remaining in their own homes and at the heart of their communities. Maintaining independence is vital for older people and those with disabilities and this funding provides the practical support necessary."
