Housing adaptation grants in Kilkenny
Deputy McGuinness asked why housing adaptation grants appear to have stalled in places like Kilkenny and sought payment of €1.6 million promised to SOS Kilkenny. The Taoiseach said 2026 contains a substantial increase for adaptation grants and would ask the housing Minister to examine the Kilkenny issues and the SOS payment.
Given that billions of euro have been passed through this House in terms of supplementary Estimates and the budget, why are the most marginalised and in need in our society still experiencing difficulties with housing adaptation grants, which have been almost stopped in places like Kilkenny? Will the Taoiseach ensure there will be an ongoing fund to take them to the end of the year and thereafter to deal with the number of applications that are there? Why has the €1.6 million that was committed to SOS Kilkenny not been paid to it?
Comment on this
There is a substantial increase in the budget for 2026 in respect of housing adaptation grants. I do not have the specifics in respect of Kilkenny, but I will ask the Minister for housing to examine that matter and, if there is a halt, see if he can get that moving again, particularly for those who need adaptations to their homes for clear reasons in order that there would be an acceleration. I will check that out. Additional money was allocated in the budget for next year. Hopefully, we can get it moving again.
Comment on this
Will the Taoiseach also check the €1.6 million for SOS Kilkenny?