'Safer, cleaner, and better': Multi-million double housing grant boost for Longfordians

A double housing grant boost for Longford residents of more than €2.6 million to accelerate retrofitting of social homes here and €2.1 million in housing adaptation grants have been announced.

The Department of Housing has today confirmed €129.5 million in funding for Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and Disabled People is being allocated nationally.

Funding of €140 million for local authorities across the country is being provided under the Energy Efficiency Retrofit Programme (EERP) to support the retrofit of around 3,500 social homes.

Longford TD Micheál Carrigy said he is very pleased €2.6 million has been allocated to Longford County Council under the Energy Efficiency Retrofit Programme [EERP] to support the retrofit of homes to a B2 BER standard.

“I’m delighted to see funding for the retrofitting of social homes in Longford. When the works have been carried out these homes will be safer, cleaner, and better for the environment.”

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Deputy Carrigy said across the country €140 million has been allocated to local authorities under this scheme.

“There has been a huge increase in funding this year and this increase is expected to support an extra 800 retrofits across the country.

“More than 11,000 homes have been deep retrofitted under the programme to date and we hope to see an additional 3,500 social homes retrofitted by the end of 2026."

This is an increase of €50 million on the amount allocated and drawn down by local authorities in 2025.

The Longford-Westmeath Fine Gael TD said the increased funding for housing adaptation grants will support recipients to live independently in their homes and communities.

"This year’s overall allocation increase of 30%, represents an additional €30 million for the grants from government to €129.5 million for 2026, which have increased year on year since 2014."

Deputy Carrigy said when combined with contributions from local authorities, the projected funding figure for 2026 amounts to €152 million for the grants.

“These grants are crucial in enabling Longford County Council to further support older and disabled individuals to adapt their homes to suit their needs and to maintain their independence.

“I have met many recipients here in Longford and have seen the positive difference that adaptation works have made to their lives at home.

"The local economy also benefits through the provision of employment for local tradespeople."

Housing Minister James Browne confirmed the multi-million euro investments and he stated the average grant available per property across a local authority’s annual retrofit programme will increase from €34,000 to €38,000.

"The Energy Efficiency Retrofit Programme has made a huge impact nationally and in Longford both in terms of the quality of our housing stock and in addressing the challenges of climate change."

Minister Browne said he is delighted that the increased level of funding available in 2026 will continue to ensure delivery of these significant grants, which he described as a 'key Government commitment'.

"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."

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