Roscommon County Council will receive over €1 million in funding to provide home adaptations for older people and those living with disability and mobility issues.
The announcement made earlier this week as part of a €75 million fund for Housing Adaptation Grants for older people and people with a disability, was welcomed by local public representatives.
Fine Gael Senator Aisling Dolan said: “These grants are important as they help our older citizens and those with disabilities and mobility issues in Co. Roscommon to remain living independently in their own homes for longer should they wish and will also facilitate early return from hospital.
“The grants are 80% funded from the exchequer by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, with 20% funding from the relevant local authority.
“Co. Roscommon will receive a combined total of €1,190,393 to support people in County Roscommon with the repairs and other adaptations they need to live in their homes, which is most welcome”.
Fianna Fáil Senator Eugene Murphy said a total of €4.1 million is allocated for Roscommon Galway.
“These grants also give a real boost to local economies, creating employment opportunities for local contractors. It is important to point out that while the current shutdown in construction remains in place, housing adaptation works can continue with the consent of the homeowner and once public health guidelines are adhered to,” said Senator Murphy.
Local Independent Cllr. Anthony Waldron said: “In Roscommon the Government allocation is €952,314 and the contribution from Roscommon county council is €238,079.
“I will be contacting Roscommon County Council to urge them to publish details of the application process with a view to progressing a programme of works without delay.
“If anyone has any queries or wants to discuss the application process contact me without delay,” he said.
Meanwhile, Fianna Fáil Cllr. Paschal Fitzmaurice said that while the grants are very welcome for those in private houses, tenants in local authority housing must rely on a different fund, which is “totally inadequate”.
“At present, the Council received just over €200,000 per year for essential disability works on council houses.
“This money is easily depleted when you include essential extensions for people. Tenants are also waiting a lot longer than private owners and this, in my opinion, is totally unfair,” he said.
Cllr. Fitzmaurice added that he has contacted members of Government and is hopeful the issue will be raised with the Minister of Housing, Darragh O’Brien.
