Clare Council has announced a €3m revision of housing grants for the County.

The schemes replace the Disabled Persons Grants Scheme and the Essential Repairs Scheme, by increasing grant aid, fast tracking many of the application processes and increasing recoupment from the Department of the Environment.

Nora Kaye, presently Acting Director of the Local Authority's Housing section, outlined details of the new approach at the Clare County Council's budget meeting.

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She said: "The new schemes will enable grants of up to €30,000 to be paid and will fast track applications under €10,000. An application has been made to the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government for funding in excess of €2.5m to augment the Council's budgetary provision and to facilitate the early payment of grants."

The three new schemes include the Housing Adaptation grant scheme, which provides assistance to persons with a disability. Qualifying works include extensions, access ramps, stair lifts, downstairs toilet facilities, adaptations to facilitate wheelchair access and other works that are reasonably necessary.

(DW/JM)