Council motion seeks adjustment of housing grant rates over cost concerns

The recent Council meeting in Carrick-on-Shannon addressed the rates for disabled and older persons within the current housing grants scheme.

Cllr Enda McGloin put forward a motion requesting the Council to urge Minister for Housing and Local Government, Darragh O'Brien TD, to review the rates, citing them as inadequate in light of rising construction costs.

Although the grants can oftentimes cover most of the costs, the actual costs quoted by contractors often exceed this.

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“The grants have done a huge amount to ensure elderly people and people with disabilities remain to live within their own homes,” said Cllr McGloin.

“We've outlined a situation where both people who applied for funding, applied for a grant and were granted maybe at ninety-five percent to a maximum of €30,000 in some cases on some of the grants, they find they're getting quoted maybe €40,000 to €50,000 for similar work.

“We need the Government to address in terms of how they can increase those thresholds and to try fill the gap between what a person is being charged and what level of grant they get here.”

Cllr Pádraig Fallon seconded the motion. “There's no doubt that it's required and it's needed,” he said.

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Cathaoirleach Cllr Paddy O'Rourke noted that everyone on the Council supported Cllr McGloin's proposal.