Editorial: Kilkenny housing adaptation grant hike welcome, but so many issues remain

The announcement that Kilkenny will receive over €2.5 million in Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and Disabled People in 2025 is a welcome development.

Representing a 27% increase in exchequer funding from the previous year, this boost targets some of the most vulnerable members of our community— those who need safe and accessible homes in their later years.

These grants fund important modifications like stair lifts, accessible bathrooms, and other tweaks that let people remain in their homes safely, and with dignity.

Great as this grant funding is, endless problems in housing remain. It is shocking to learn that over 60 council-owned homes in Kilkenny will remain boarded up and out of use in 2025, while hundreds of families wait. Figures released via Parliamentary Question to local Sinn Féin TD Natasha Newsome Drennan suggest only a fraction of identified vacant local authority properties here will be brought back into use in the months ahead.

The problem is that councils are not getting the adequate resources to tackle the issue. The government’s provision of just €11,000 per vacant home falls short in many cases, and more funding is needed in this area.

ANGELA’S AWARD
Congratulations to local lady Angela Hayes, who has been recognised by the Irish Red Cross, named Humanitarian of the Year.
The award recognises individuals who have shown ‘extraordinary compassion, courage, and commitment to alleviating human suffering’.

It’s a great honour for the Kilkenny woman who has worked hard to shine a light on mental health issues and create a conversation around suicide prevention. Angela, founder of the Thomas Hayes Trust, won the award for her work in suicide intervention, crisis support, and her role in creating Teac Tom to help people affected by suicide and mental health problems.
Well done to Angela.
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