COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, December 08, 2025

MOTION NO. 7

MOTION: Councillor R. Mannion

That this Council extend the types of works eligible under the Housing (Adaptation Grants for Older People and Disabled People) Regulations 2024 to better meet the needs of individuals with cognitive, sensory, mental health or intellectual impairment such as provision of sensory/calm spaces, lighting changes, sound proofing etc.

REPORT:

Under the Housing (Adaptation Grants for Older People and Disabled People) Regulations 2024, grants are provided to support individuals with disabilities by ensuring necessary adaptations, repairs, or improvements are made to their private homes to better suit their needs.

The council administers the Housing Adaptation Grants on behalf of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (DHLGH). Further to a review of the Regulations, the grants available were reviewed, enhanced and extended and new Regulations came into effect on 1^st December 2024. The new Regulations increased grant limits, income thresholds, income disregards and the amount awarded when an applicant qualifies in full.   

Under the Housing Adaptation Grant for Disabled People, a disability is defined in the Regulations as “an enduring physical, sensory, mental health or intellectual impairment.”  In line with this definition, all applications for grant aid relating to individuals diagnosed with Autism are assessed under this scheme, provided the proposed works are reasonably necessary to make the home more suitable for the person’s accommodation needs. Funding is available for adaptations to the physical structure or  fabric of the home only. Applications of this type must be supported by a multi-disciplinary assessment by suitably qualified healthcare professionals. This assessment should clearly outline who will be responsible for providing ongoing therapy services and who will supply and maintain any sensory-related equipment. Funding is not available for the purchase of sensory equipment. Updated guidance is to be provided to local authorities on housing adaptation assistive technologies relating to the fixtures and fittings of a property which qualify within the schemes having regard to the evolving nature of such technology. 

To qualify for the grant the following requirements apply:

• Grant application must be approved before the work starts on the home
• Applicant must live in the home when the work is completed
• Home-owners/Tenants tax affairs must be in order, and they must have tax clearance from Revenue if the grant is for more than €10,000
• Local Property Tax for the home must be in order
• Proof of income
• Completed doctors certificate

An occupational therapist report is also required, a refund is available of up to €300 towards the cost of this report. Funding under the grant is not restricted to a bedroom or bathroom and is available for a sensory room. If an extension is required, an applicant must engage a professional to design the extension, secure planning permission if required, and drawings must be provided to determine the amount of grant funding available. 

The DHLGH has confirmed that there are no plans at this time to review the grants scheme.

For further assistance, the Private Housing Grants team can be contacted by emailing hgrants@sdublincoco.ie or by phoning 01 4149373. For applicants over the age of 65 years, support is also available from Local Co-ordinators of the Healthy Age Friendly Homes Programme.  They can be contacted by phoning 046-9248899.  These local co-ordinators support the population over 65yrs in the South Dublin County Council area and will make an appointment to come and visit an applicant in their home to advise and  assist with the application form.  This is a free service.

The Tenants Disabled Persons Grant funding may be considered for a range of infrastructural and safety-related adaptations necessary to create appropriate living environments for applicants with specific sensory needs. Works considered may include, modifications intended to enhance safety to internal and external doors, implementation of measures designed to regulate sensory input, such as specialised light control mechanisms to ensure a softer, less stimulating environment and therapeutic colour schemes to promote calmness and relaxation. Applicants may also be considered for a transfer to alternative accommodation with additional bedroom space that may be more suitable to their current needs.

Further details on the Tenants Disabled Person's Grant Scheme can be found on our website www.sdcc.ie.