The construction industry in Ireland has been given a boost after it was announced that €56.25 million is to be made available for Housing Adaptations for Older People and People with a Disability living in private houses this year.

Minister for the Environment, Community & Local Government, Alan Kelly TD, and Minister of State for Housing & Planning, Paudie Coffey TD, said the investment will allow extensions to be built for people with a disability as well as housing adaptations to improve mobility aid.

The grants are 80% funded from the exchequer by the Department of Environment, Community & Local Government, with 20% funding from the relevant local authority.

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Grants are payable in the main to owner-occupied (private) housing, and also eligible are houses being purchased under the tenant purchase scheme, private rented accommodation, accommodation provided under voluntary housing schemes and accommodation occupied by persons living in communal residences.

Grants of up to €30,000 are available for an adaptation, up to €8,000 for housing aid for older people and up to €6,000 for mobility aids.

Minister Coffey said: "This funding is part of a huge Government commitment to housing and it provides significant social benefit by facilitating citizens to continue the independent occupancy of their own homes.

"The funding will allow local authorities increase the number of citizens they can support through this programme and, in addition, it will provide a boost to the construction sector nationally, with the benefits being spread to local economies across the country."

(CD/JP)