House Adaptation Grants

Since last October Killarney town councillor Tom Doherty has consistently highlighted the need for extra funding for house adaptation grants. These grants are administered by Kerry County Council. The grants are available under two categories, one for those with a disability and the other for senior citizens. Both greatly improve independence and quality of life within community and neighbourhood living.   Cllr Doherty was informed late last year that the funding for 2012 was depleted and that the funding available for 2013 was already fully allocated. The council contacted the government departments involved to address the need for extra funding within the County. The funding has been cut at a national level by 40 per cent. To the dismay of Cllr. Tom Doherty said that he was informed at the last monthly meeting of Killarney town council that funding for the county has actually been reduced by 66   per cent. Cllr Doherty then request that we contact other county councils the see if they still have any adaptation grant funding available.  

tomkillarney@yahoo.ie 087 2942260

Mobility Allowance

The ending the Mobility Allowance and the Motorised Transport Grant in four months time without coming up with an alternative allowance scheme shows a complete lack of respect for equality. These means tested allowances are predominantly paid to people with a weekly Disability Allowance of less than €190 a week. This decision by the government seems like a cost saving measure at the expenses of those who need to sustain independence the most. The Mobility Allowance is paid to people who have a disability and are unable to walk or use public transport. The Motorised Transport Grant is for people with disabilities who need to have a car or other vehicle adapted in order to enable them to drive and, as a result, earn a living. There is very little public transport in rural areas and indeed most towns. Isolation is a difficulty for many. This present announcement is causing stress and insecurity. We support disability by taking the dis out of disability and creating ability. These allowances are   a vital component to support independent living. May l suggest that the generous travel expenses paid to Dublin TD’s can instead be put to better use? 

tomkillarney@yahoo.ie 087 2942260