New State funding aims to improve homes for elderly and disabled population of Kildare

More than €5.4 million in funding has been announced by the government, with the intention of improving homes for older people and disabled people living in County Kildare.

The announcement was made by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD (Fianna Fáil), along with Minister of State with responsibility for Older Persons, Kieran O’Donnell TD (Fine Gael), and Minister of State with responsibility for Local Government and Planning, John Cummins TD (Fine Gael).

Specifically, both Ministers have said that €129.5m in funding will go towards Housing Adaptation Grants aimed at improving the daily lives of older people and / or disabled people.

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Of this funding, €5,423,755 has been allocated to Kildare, while the projected total funding for Kildare is €6,380,888.

Under the scheme, grants of up to €40,000 are available to assist disabled people in carrying out the necessary work to make a home more suitable for their needs.

Additionally, grants of up to €10,700 are available to assist older people to have necessary repairs or improvements carried out on their homes and grants of up to €8,000 are available for mobility aids.

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'COMMITMENT'

Speaking further on the overall allocation, Minister Browne claimed that the support of grant schemes "are a key government commitment".

He elaborated: "I am delighted that the increased level of funding available in 2026 will continue to ensure delivery of these significant grants.

"Housing Adaptation Grants help to support independent living for people in their own homes and can also facilitate an early return from hospitals.

"I have witnessed firsthand how these grants have benefitted many people across the country to remain living independently at home."

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Minister Browne also said that the grants also support local economies, and in turn help to create employment opportunities for local contractors.

The Housing Adaption Grants were also commended by Minister O'Donnell, who claimed that they "have a really positive impact on the home life of many older and disabled people and play a critical role in helping them to continue to live independently." 

Lastly, Minister Cummins complimented local authorities "for the key role that they play in administering the grants, including assessing applications and arranging home inspections where adaptations are proposed".

"Through this work, local authorities are empowering older and disabled people in their daily routines enabling them to maintain their independence within their own homes," he added.

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