In July 2009 Dublin City Council Home Grants Section stopped accepting applications despite having received an increased allocation of more than €14m from the Government for grants in 2010. Since that time I have consistently raised this as an issue at Dublin City Council and requested DCC to release the funds and to re-open the scheme for home adaptation grants.

Following my representations Dublin City Council recently begun to accept applications. These grants provide vital support to the elderly and those not in the full of their health to allow them continue to live at home and the grants also support employment of local contractors who are certified to undertake the work. There are three types of grants available; The Housing Adaptation Grant Scheme The Housing Adaptation Grant Scheme assists in the provision and adaptation of accommodation to meet the needs of people with a disability. This is subject to means testing and the maximum grant is €30,000, which will cover 95% of the approved costs for applicants whose gross household income is less than €30,000 per annum, tapering to 30% for applicants with gross household incomes of up to €65,000 per annum. You can download application form here.
The Mobility Aids Grant The Mobility Aids Grant is available to cover basic works to address mobility problems, primarily, associated with ageing. The works include grab-rails, access ramps, level access showers and stair lifts. The grant is subject to means testing and the maximum grant is €6,000 which will cover 100% of the approved costs for applicants whose gross household income is up to €30,000 per annum. You can download and application form here. The Housing Aid for Older People Scheme The Housing Aid for Older People Scheme is available to assist older people (60 years and above) living in poor housing conditions to have necessary repairs or improvements carried out. This grant is for owner occupiers only. The grant is subject to means testing and the maximum grant is €10,500 which will cover 100% of the approved costs for applicants whose gross household income is up to €30,000 per annum, tapering to 30% for applicants with gross household incomes of up to €65,000 per annum. You can download and application form here.

The Government has also provided funds for home insulation grants that are being administered by Sustainable Energy Ireland.

The Home Energy Saving (HES) scheme provides grants to homeowners who are interested in improving the energy efficiency of their home in order to reduce energy use and costs as well as greenhouse gas emissions. Grants towards the costs of roof insulation, wall insulation, high efficiency boilers and heating control upgrades are available. Sustainable Energy Ireland administers the scheme and application forms are available from 1850 927 000. You can make an application on-line at www.SEAI.ie.

Low Income households can avail of the Warmer Homes Grant Scheme which provides attic and wall insulation grants. To qualify applicants must be in receipt of the fuel allowance and own their home. Application forms are available from 1800 250 204. You can make an application on-line at www.SEAI.ie.