Fine Gael Kildare South TD and Minister Martin Heydon has said that Kildare County Council will receive funding in excess of €3m to provide home adaptations for older people and those living with disability and mobility issues.

Minister Heydon said, “I am delighted that my colleagues, Minister of State for Local Government and Planning, Peter Burke TD, and Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage Darragh O’Brien TD have announced a €75m fund for Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability.

“These grants are important as they help our older citizens and those with disabilities and mobility issues in Kildare 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.

“Kildare County Council will receive a combined total of €3,162,288 to support people in Kildare with the repairs and other adaptations they need to live in their homes, which is most welcome.

“Grants of up to €30,000 are available to help people with a disability in carrying out works required to make a house more suitable for their needs, up to €8,000 to assist older people to have necessary repairs or improvements carried out and up to €6,000 for mobility aids.

“These grants can help create employment opportunities for builders and businesses in Kildare and help reduce the dependency on our health services by supporting independent living for as long as possible.

Minister Heydon also highlighted that while the current shutdown in construction activity remains in place, people should know that housing adaptation works can continue with the consent of the homeowner and once public health guidelines are adhered to.”

“Application forms for the grants can be found at http://www.kildare.ie/CountyCouncil/Forms/Housing/ or call my office on 045-487624 if you have any queries on the grants or the application process.