More funding needed for housing adaptation grants

HOUSING adaptation grant funding needs to be increased and the ratio by which it is funded by government also needs to be re-examined.

The call came from Donna Hyland, a member of Mayo County Council's strategic housing policy committee, who said that with an ageing population, there needs to be a focus on keeping people living in their communities.

There is big demand for the grants, which are 80% funding by the department, with 20% coming from the council. An increased allocation had to be sought this summer.

Director of services Tom Gilligan said the council is working on a priority basis - the works must be necessary to keep a person in their home.

Committee chairperson Councillor Patsy O'Brien said there has to be an increase in the funding given to local authorities. Ms. Hyland said there has been a change in mindset about people living at home. Should they be asked the department to align with what is happening in healthcare and change the ratios. There was a social good aspect to these grants and she asked if they should be applying political pressure to have them 100% funded.

There needs to be an increase in the amounts allocated to the council, given the level of demand and with an ageing population.

The focus has to be on keeping people living in their communities, she said.