FUNDING for housing adaptation grants for individuals with disabilities or older people to support them to live independently in their homes and communities has been increased. 

Cork South West Fine Gael Senator Noel O’Donovan said the funding ‘is crucial to so many across West Cork, and especially those living in our rural communities’.

He added: ‘This funding goes towards ensure that their houses meet their needs, and that they can continue to live in their own home, independently and comfortably.’

This year’s overall allocation is an increase of 30% and represents an additional €3m for the grants from government to €12.95 million for 2026, which have increased year on year since 2014.

When combined with contributions from local authorities, the project funding figure for 2026 amounts to €152m. 

Senator O’Donovan said: ‘My Council colleagues and I have met with many recipients in West Cork and have seen the positive difference that adaption works have made to their lives at home. 

‘Every day we work with people who are looking to adapt their homes to meet their needs and to allow them live independently in their own homes and in their community. 

Continuing, Senator O’Donovan has said that ‘it is fantastic to see a 30% funding increase in this grant for 2026, demonstrating Fine Gael’s commitment to this project, which will deliver 17,000 grant claims for older people and people with disabilities, many of them living in West Cork.’