The offices of Louth County Council
Louth County Council is inviting grant applications from those in the county who require assistance to make their home more suitable to accommodate a person with a disability and for people aged over 66 who require essential structural repairs.
Highest priority in assessing grant applications will be given to a person with a severe physical disability who is fully or mainly dependent on family or a carer(s). The works allowed under the Housing Adaptation Grant scheme include access ramps, downstairs toilet facilities, stair-lifts, accessible showers, wheelchair access and other necessary works.
Extensions may only be considered when all less costly and “fit for purpose” alternatives have been eliminated e.g. use of technology, reassignment of existing rooms, etc. Grants are means-tested with varying levels of funding available according to household income.
All Housing Adaption/Mobility Aids grants will be assessed by Louth County Council’s Occupational Therapist in an effort to use the available funding where it will have maximum impact. In 2013, a total of 89 grants were approved.
With an expected deadline for applications of March 31, 2014 under this year’s scheme, there have already been more than 200 expressions of interest received by the local authority.
According to Joe McGuinness, Director of Services, Louth Local Authorities: “Given the total funds available, only those cases of greatest need can be supported. It is important that applications are fully completed before submission as incomplete forms will be returned. Applicants should also familiarise themselves with new changes that have been introduced, particularly around income limits and the maximum levels of funding available.
“Our main priority will be to address the most urgent needs and – because of resource constraints – only the very strongest cases of need can be considered for funding. Given the high level of requests for applications already received, it is likely that applications will far exceed the number of grants that will be approved.”
Further information and application forms are available at www.louthcoco.ie or by calling (042) 9324271.
