Limerick Council pauses housing grants in ‘bitter blow’ to elderly people

A LIMERICK TD has queried as to whether there is any joined up thinking between any of the government departments following confirmation from Limerick City and County Council that it has paused accepting new applications under the Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and Disabled People Scheme.

Deputy Maurice Quinlivan said this is a “bitter blow” for many elderly and disabled citizens. “As people age, many need alterations to their home to accommodate their limited mobility.” He added: “It is a decision that will come as bad news for University Hospital Limerick. UHL is over capacity... Some disabled or elderly patients will be remaining on a hospital bed in a ward for longer than necessary because they will not be able to afford to adapt their home.”

Deputy Quinlivan said the cost of construction materials has increased dramatically in the last twelve months, which is pushing up the cost of many of the works, adding to Council costs. “The Department of Housing must recognise this and assist Councils with additional funding.”

Labour’s Housing Spokesperson Conor Sheehan TD said this grant is not a luxury but a lifeline for many people in Limerick.

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“We have seen time and again how the scheme can be transformative – yet it is chronically underfunded. The fact that Limerick has had to stop accepting applications midway through the year is proof that this scheme is not working as it should.”

He said the Department’s own review of the scheme acknowledged the need for expanded eligibility and updated income limits. Deputy Sheehan added: “We in Labour have consistently called for the Housing Adaptation Grant limits to be increased to €60,000, and for income thresholds to be indexed to reflect today’s reality.”

Limerick Council said it has paused applications under the Housing Aid for Older People Grants with the exception of Emergency Applications. They are still accepting applications for The Housing Adaptation Grant for Disabled People Scheme and The Mobility Aid Grant.

“This decision has been taken in order to ensure that those applicants with the greatest need are funded under the remaining funding that is available under the Scheme. Every effort will be made to secure additional surplus funding that may become available from the Department of Housing.”