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Over €5m in housing adaptation grants announced for County Mayo

By Charlotte Davis, Irish Independent

Mayo is set to receive more than €5 million in funding for housing adaptation grants to help support people to live independently in their own homes.

Minister of State and Mayo TD Alan Dillon announced the funding and said it will have a “meaningful impact on the home life of many older people and those with disabilities" across the county.

Total funding of €5,085,769 has been allocated to Mayo County Council for 2026.

The housing adaptation scheme is divided into three categories: the Mobility Aid Grant, the Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability, and the Housing Aid for Older People Grant.

Grants of up to €40,000 are available to assist people with disabilities in carrying out essential works to make their homes more suitable for their needs.

Older people can access grants of up to €10,700 for necessary repairs or improvements in their homes, while funding of up to €8,000 is available for mobility aids.

The Mobility Aids Grant supports older people and people with disabilities who experience difficulty moving around their homes.

Funding can be used to improve accessibility through measures such as grab rails, access ramps, and stair lifts.

The Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability is designed for those with physical, sensory, mental health or intellectual disabilities who need more extensive changes to be made in their home.

Home modifications covered under this grant include ramps and other alternative access solutions, grab rails, bathroom facilities, and fixed-track hoists.

The Housing Aid for Older People Grant is available to those aged 66 and over to carry out essential repairs that allow them to continue living at home. In certain cases, the grant can be made available to those under 66.

This grant can be used for essential works, including replacing or repairing the roof, windows, and doors, or heating appliances.

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne announced a nationwide exchequer funding package of €129.5 million for housing adaptation grants.

When combined with contributions from local authorities, a total of €152 million in funding will be available in 2026, supporting an estimated 17,000 grant claims.

“These grants are crucial in enabling Mayo County Council to further support older and disabled individuals to adapt their homes to suit their needs and to maintain their independence,” said Minister Dillon.

“I have met many recipients here in Mayo and have seen the positive difference that adaptation works have made to their lives at home. The local economy also benefits through the provision of employment for local tradespeople,” he added.

This article has been funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.