€150,000 for disabled persons grant scheme in Mayo

MAYO County Council has been allocated €150,000 for the Disabled Persons Grant scheme (DPG) and Improvement Works in Lieu of Social Housing Scheme (IWILs).

The DPG scheme assists older people and people with a disability to continue living in the comfort of their own homes. It provides funding for extensions and adaptations to existing social housing stock for older people and people with a disability such as grab rails, disabled access ramps, wet rooms, downstairs bedrooms, etc. It also provides extensions in cases of overcrowding.

Exchequer funding meets 90% of the cost of the works in each property, with the local authority providing the remaining 10%.

The IWILs allows local authorities to improve or extend privately owned accommodation where the applicant has been approved for social housing. It allows those who are eligible to remain in private housing and, as their housing need has been met, helps to reduce the demand for social housing.

Confirming the funding, Minister Michael Ring said: “I’m delighted that this government funding has been approved by my colleague, Eoghan Murphy, Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government. There is a real demand for these improvements and this funding will be put to good use by Mayo County Council who will administer the scheme locally.

“This funding will help improve the quality of life for older people and people with a disability and those affected by over-crowding in existing social housing stock.

“Improvement works on private homes in lieu of social housing will also provide an alternative for those currently experiencing overcrowding in private accommodation.

“I welcome Minister Murphy’s commitment that the scheme will be kept under review and further funding will be considered under the scheme for 2019 should the need arise.”