Sligo’s 2,057 carers among thousands in North West to benefit from €2,000 payment

By Philip Rooney, The Sligo Champion

Minister of State Marian Harkin has welcomed the payment of the annual Carer’s Support Grant to thousands of carers across Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal this week, with 2,057 carers in Sligo set to benefit

The grant, worth €2,000 for each person being cared for, is being paid to over 147,000 carers nationwide at a total cost of €336 million.

Across the North West, 9,142 carers will benefit from the payment, including 2,057 carers in Sligo, 1,158 carers in Leitrim and 5,927 carers in Donegal.

Welcoming the payments, Minister Harkin said, “I am delighted that thousands of carers across Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal will receive the Carer’s Support Grant this week. Caring for a family member, neighbour or loved one is one of the most important roles in our society, and it is right that this commitment is recognised and supported.

“In Sligo, 2,057 carers will receive the grant, while 1,158 carers in Leitrim and 5,927 carers in Donegal will also benefit. Together, these payments represent a significant investment in carers and families throughout the North West.

“At €2,000 per care recipient, this grant provides important financial support to carers who dedicate so much of their time and energy to supporting older people and people with disabilities. Many carers provide round-the-clock care, often balancing caring responsibilities with family and other commitments.

“The fact that more than 9,100 carers across these three counties qualify for the grant underlines both the scale of caring in our communities and the immense contribution carers make every day.

“I particularly welcome the continued improvements being made to supports for carers, including the increase in the Carer’s Support Grant and the further improvements to the Carer’s Allowance income disregard which will come into effect from July. These measures recognise the essential role carers play and the need to continue strengthening supports for them.”

The Carer’s Support Grant is paid automatically to recipients of Carer’s Allowance, Carer’s Benefit and Domiciliary Care Allowance. It is also available to other full-time carers who meet the qualifying conditions.

Payments will issue on Thursday, 4 June, to carers’ nominated bank accounts or post offices.

Minister Harkin concluded, “I want to thank every carer in Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal for the extraordinary work they do each day. Their compassion, dedication and commitment make a real difference to the lives of those they care for and to communities across the region.”

Article Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.