Mobility grants can’t keep pace

The rates for grants to make mobility adaptations that allow people to live independently in their own homes are not keeping pace with the rising cost of construction.

Roscommon Galway TD, Denis Naughten said it was ‘almost impossible’ for older people or people with disabilities to get contractors to quote prices for work.

That’s because of the bureaucracy involved in housing aid for older people scheme, the mobility grant aid scheme, and the housing adaptation grant for people with disability.

“The low rate of the grant also means many contractors are not interested in this work anymore,” the Independent TD said.

“The reality is that the grants rates have not increased in recent years. These rates today do not reflect current building costs. The income thresholds also need to be modernised and updated,” he added.

Deputy Naughten highlighted the plight of a constituent in East Galway to drive home his point.

This person, an amputee who resides in a two-storey house and whose sole income is social welfare, had applied for a housing adaptation grant.

Galway County Council awarded the maximum rate for the housing adaptation grant, which was €30,000.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

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