Donegal receives €5.8 million housing adaptation grants for 2026

Donegal County Council is to issue €5,803,005 in Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and Disabled People in 2026.

A total of €4,932,554 has been allocated in exchequer funding and the projected Local Authority contribution is €870,451, bringing Donegal’s total spend to €5,803,005.

“This is welcome funding for Donegal, and this is a grant scheme that underlines the government’s commitment to helping and assisting our older people and disabled people,”  Donegal Fianna Fáil TD and Minister of State with special responsibility for Sport & Postal Policy, Charlie McConalogue, said. “I would expect between 600 and 700 houses to be adapted this year.

“I have seen how these grants have benefitted many people here in Donegal to remain living independently at home for as long as possible.

“I encourage all eligible households in Donegal to explore these supports through the Donegal County Council. This €5.8 million investment ensures that our homes can evolve with us as our needs change, strengthening our communities and keeping families together.”

Under the  Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and Disabled People for 2026, grants of up to €40,000 are available to assist disabled people in carrying out the necessary work to make a home more suitable for their needs. Additionally, grants of up to €10,700 are available to assist older people to have necessary repairs or improvements carried out on their homes and grants of up to €8,000 are available for mobility aids. 

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Details of the government initiative were announced by Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD, along with Minister of State with responsibility for Older Persons, Kieran O’Donnell TD, and Minister of State with responsibility for Local Government and Planning, John Cummins TD.

“The continued support of these grant schemes is a key Government commitment,” Minister Browne said.  “I am delighted that the increased level of funding available in 2026 will continue to ensure delivery of these significant grants. Housing Adaptation Grants help to support independent living for people in their own homes and can also facilitate an early return from hospitals. 

“I have witnessed firsthand how these grants have benefitted many people across the country to remain living independently at home. These grants also support local economies, creating employment opportunities for local contractors."

Minister of State with responsibility for Older People, Kieran O’Donnell, said: "These Housing Adaptation Grants have a really positive impact on the home life of many older and disabled people and play a critical role in helping them to continue to live independently.

"In my role as Minister of State with responsibility for housing for older people, I am committed to supporting people to continue living in their own homes and communities for as long as possible. 

Minister of State with responsibility for Local Government and Planning, John Cummins, added: "Local authorities play a central role in administering these schemes. In 2025, some 15,700 grant claims were processed across the 31 local authorities. I want to compliment local authorities for the key role they play in administering the grants, including assessing applications and arranging home inspections where adaptations are proposed. 

“Through this work, local authorities are empowering older and disabled people in their daily routines, enabling them to maintain their independence within their own homes."

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This year's overall allocation is an increase of €30m for the grant, which has seen year-on-year funding increases since 2014. When combined with contributions from local authorities, the projected total funding of over €152 million for 2026 will deliver some 17,000 grant claims nationwide for older people and disabled people.

Pat the Cope Gallagher TD has highlighted that the increase will provide support for the elderly and people with disabilities across the county.

“I very much welcome this significant allocation for Donegal. These grants make a real difference to people’s lives by helping them adapt their homes to meet their needs, whether that is installing stairlifts, ramps, accessible bathrooms or carrying out essential repairs.

“These grants are extremely important in supporting older people and people with disabilities to continue living safely and independently in their own communities while also supporting local contractors and tradespeople.” 

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme