76 Mayo homes to benefit from €779,601 in special funding
Funding of €779,601 has been allocated to Mayo under the Disabled Persons Grant Scheme and Improvement Works in Lieu of Local Authority Housing Scheme.
A total of 76 housing units will benefit from the investment.
The news has been welcomed by Mayo Fine Gael TDs Michael Ring and Alan Dillon.
Deputy Ring said the DPG scheme 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 and downstairs bedrooms. It also provides extensions in cases of overcrowding.
The Improvement Works in Lieu of social housing scheme (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 otherwise eligible for social housing to remain in private housing and for enhancements to that housing.
“I am delighted to note that funding under these schemes has increased for 2021.
"The funding will improve housing conditions for those with disabilities and for people whose homes require works to enable them to continue living there,” stated Deputy Ring.
Deputy Alan Dillon the funding will be supplemented by additional funding from Mayo County Council of €77,960 bring total funding to €779,601 for 2021.
He outlined: "Most importantly, this funding will make a real difference primarily to older people and those with a disability.
"In Mayo, it will be used for adapting 69 units, extending five units, and improvement works for two units.
"I understand Mayo County Council is one of the most efficient administrators of these schemes in the country and this funding is testament to their work in administering the schemes locally.”
Deputy Dillon added: “Under both schemes, funding from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage meets roughly 90% of the cost of the works, with Mayo County Council providing the remaining 10%.
"The Disabled Persons Grants scheme 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 and downstairs bedrooms.
"The scheme also provides extensions where additional accommodation is required.
“The Improvement Works in Lieu of social housing scheme allows local authorities to improve or extend privately owned accommodation, where the applicant has been approved for social housing.
"It allows those who are otherwise eligible for social housing to remain in private housing and for enhancements to that housing.
"A total of 76 homes will benefit from this funding in Mayo.”