Cork local authorities get €2.2m in funds to improve quality of housing stock

Cork’s local authorities are to receive €2.2m in Government funding to effect improvements to their existing social housing stock.

The Department of Housing, Heritage and Local Government has today announced €23m funding for local authorities nationally to carry out adaptations, extensions and other improvements to social homes.

Under the funding, the Government’s allocation is linked to a spending commitment whereby individual local authorities agree to provide 10% of an agreed over-all amount, and the balance is paid by the department.

The funding covers the Disabled Persons Grant, which is intended to ensure that homes are adapted to allow older people and those with disabilities to continue living independently, while also providing funding for major modifications such as extensions to relieve overcrowding.

It also extends to the Improvement Works in Lieu scheme, which allows works to be carried out on a privately-owned house where the applicant has been approved for social housing.

Cork City Council is to receive €1,260,827, which the council will then meet with €140,092, resulting in a total spend of €1,400,919.

Cork County Council is to receive €943,934, and it will provide €104,882, resulting in a total spend of €1,048,816.

Housing minister James Browne said the funding would significantly improve housing conditions for older tenants and those with disabilities.

“It will also help tackle overcrowding in social housing and offer an alternative for those currently living in overcrowded private accommodation,” he said.