Funding approved to upgrade Kilkenny social housing while TD criticises number of empty units

The Department of Housing, Heritage and Local Government has announced a €23m Disabled Persons Grant with €220,304 being allocated to Kilkenny.

The department said the funding will ensure that homes are adapted to allow older people and those with disabilities to continue living independently while also financing major modifications such as extensions to relieve overcrowding.

The scheme funds minor adaptations like stair-lifts, ramps and grab rails along with larger projects such as creating accessible spaces including downstairs bedrooms, en-suites and wet-rooms.

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne said: “This scheme clearly demonstrates this government’s commitment to enabling older and disabled people to continue living independently.”

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On the opposition side, Carlow-Kilkenny TD Natasha Newsome Drennan criticised the government after Freedom of Information data released to Sinn Féin showed that 64 council homes are currently boarded-up across the county.

“There is nothing more insulting to those impacted by the housing emergency than the sight of a perfectly good home left empty. Each of these homes should have a family living in them, children growing up in those four walls. Instead, these homes are empty and children are growing up in hotels. That is beyond scandalous,” Newsome Drennan said.

“I am sick and tired of the government’s excuses and broken promises. They try to blame everyone but themselves. The reality is that this is an issue in all local authorities and in far too many communities because of their failings. They do not provide enough funding to maintain homes and they do not provide enough funds to return them to use.”

“Twenty one houses have been left boarded up for almost two years.”

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