General Information
Grants: Housing Adaptation Grant
Disabled Housing: Mobility Aids Grant Scheme, Housing Aid for Older People, Task Force on Special Housing Aid for the Elderly
Access: Accessible building – Measurements required to meet the needs of persons with physical and/or sensory disabilities. Universal Key / Accessible Toilets
Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability
The Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability Scheme is administered by local authorities and provides grant aid to applicants to assist in the carrying out of works that are reasonably necessary for the purposes of rendering a house more suitable for the accommodation needs of a person with a disability.
The effective maximum grant under the scheme is €30,000, which may cover up to 95% of the approved cost of works.
Who can apply?
A person with a disability who requires adaptation works to render a house more suitable for their accommodation needs or a home-owner on behalf of a person with a disability who is a member of the household.
Is there a means test?
Yes. Applicants will be assessed on the basis of household means. The effective maximum grant of €30,000, to cover up to 95% of the cost of works, may be available to applicants with gross household incomes of up to €30,000 per annum, tapering to 30% for applicants with gross household incomes of between €54,001 to €65,000 per annum. The same means test will apply in every local authority area.
What type of work is allowable?
The types of works allowable under the scheme can be varied and may include the provision of access ramps; stair-lifts; downstairs toilet facilities; accessible showers; adaptations to facilitate wheelchair access; extensions; and any other works which are reasonably necessary for the purposes of rendering a house more suitable for the accommodation of a person with a disability.
How do I apply?
Contact the Housing Adaptation Grants Section of your local authority.
Mobility Aids Grant Scheme
The Mobility Aids Grant Scheme provides grant aid to cover a basic suite of works to address mobility problems, primarily, but not exclusively, associated with ageing.
The effective maximum grant under the Mobility Aids Housing Grant Scheme is €6,000, which may cover 100% of the cost of works.
Who can apply?
A person who requires basic adaptation works in order to address their mobility needs.
Is there a means test?
Yes. Applicants will be assessed on the basis of household means. The maximum grant of €6,000 may be available to applicants with gross household incomes of up to €30,000 per annum. The same means test will apply in every local authority area.
What type of work is allowable?
The types of works allowable under the scheme can be varied and may include the provision of grab-rails, access ramps, level access showers and stair-lifts.
How do I apply ?
Contact the Housing Grants Section of your local authority.
Housing Aid for Older People
The Scheme of Housing Aid for Older People is available to assist older people to have necessary repairs or improvements carried out to their homes.
The effective maximum grant under the scheme is €10,500 which may cover up to 100% of the cost of works.
Who can apply?
A. Older people, generally aged over 60 years, who require necessary repairs or improvements to their homes.
Is there a means test?
A. Yes. Applicants will be assessed on the basis of household means. The maximum grant of €10,500, to cover up to 100% of the cost of works, may be available to applicants with gross household incomes of up to €30,000 per annum tapering to 30% for applicants with gross household incomes of between €54,001 to €65,000 per annum. The same means test will apply in every local authority area.
What type of work is allowable?
A. The types of works allowable under the scheme can be varied and may include structural repairs or improvements; re-wiring; drylining; repairs to / replacement of windows and doors; provision of central heating, water and sanitary services; contract-cleaning; painting and radon remediation works.
How do I apply ?
Contact the Housing Grants Section of your local authority.
Task Force on Special Housing Aid for the Elderly
The Task Force on Special Housing Aid for the Elderly was set up in 1982 to undertake an emergency programme to improve the housing conditions of elderly persons living alone in unfit or unsanitary accommodation. The Task Force includes representatives from the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, FAS, A.L.O.N.E., Local Authorities and the Departments of Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Health and Children and Social and Family Affairs. The scheme is operated on the ground by the Community Care Departments of the Health Services Executive and the work is carried out by contract or by the use of FAS Schemes.
Accessible Environment
The measurements listed below show the desirable measurement required to meet the needs of persons with physical and/or sensory disabilities. The Minimum measurements are the legal requirements referred to in the TGD Part M (Technical Guidance Document).
| Footpaths | Desirable | Minimum |
| Width | 1800mm | |
| Dishing/dipping gradient | 1 : 20 | 1 : 12 |
| Dishing/dipping width (level surface) | 1400mm | 1000mm |
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Kerb edge – maximum height marked with a strong colour contrast |
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| Doors | Desirable | Minimum |
| Main Entrance | 900mm | 800mm |
| Internal Doors | 900mm | 750mm |
| Lift door | 900mm | 800mm |
| Glass doors must be visually identified | ||
| Handles must be easily operated by people with disabilities | ||
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| Slopes/Ramps | Desirable | Minimum |
| Width | 1200mm | 1000mm |
| Gradient | 1 : 20 | 1 : 12 |
| Turning width at either end | 1700mm | 1500mm |
| All surfaces must be non-slip. | ||
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| Stairs & Steps | ||
| Tread | 280mm | |
| Rises | 150mm | |
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Two sets of handrails must be: - Fitted for all ramps/steps/stairs - Beyond first and last step by |
840mm height 300mm |
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All steps must have uniform depth and height. The first and last step should provide a permanent visual contrast with the rest of the steps. |
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Toilets Public Buildings Toilet size should be adequate to accommodate the wheelchair user and assistant. Unisex accessible toilets should be independent of other sanitary accommodation. |
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| Desirable & Minimum | Minimum | |
| Toilet | 450mm height | |
| Wash hand basin | 800mm height | |
| Knee clearance of | 700mm height | |
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Three grab rails should be positioned by WC - Horizontal - Vertical - Folding horizontal |
700mm height 800mm height |
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| Mirror | 900mm height | |
| Hand towel dispenser | 1100mm height | |
| Dimension of cubicle | 2700mm x 2000mm | 2000mm x 1500mm |
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| Toilets: Housing |
Desirable | Minimum |
| Dimension of cubicles where storey area is more than 45m2 | 2000mm x 1500mm | 1500mm x 1400mm |
| Dimension of cubicles where storey area less than 45m2 | 2000mm x 1500mm | 1500mm x 850mm |
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| Showers | Desirable & Minimum | |
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If washing facilities are provided, please note that level deck showers are preferable to baths. Dimension of cubicles |
2700mm x 200mm | |
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| Corridors / Passageways | Desirable | Minimum |
| Width for public access | 1800mm | |
| Without public access | 1800mm | 1200mm |
| Turning space | 1800mm | 1500mm |
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| Lifts | Desirable | Minimum |
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A lift must be provided where the net area of a two storey building is 280m2 per floor. Controls: must be situated between 900mm and 1200mm from floor and should incorporate tactile indicators.
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| Lift dimensions | 2000mm2 x 2000m2 | 1000mm2 x 1400mm2 |
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Entrance and Lobby Dimension 2000mm2 x 2000mm2 desirable or 1500mm2 x 2000mm2 minimum Signage should be clear, concise and raised where appropriate All public buildings should have loop systems installed, to accommodate people with hearing impairments. |
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Counter Heights Height of lower section 750mm – 850mm |
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| Approach to Building The main entrance should be accessible to people with physical disabilities. |
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| Parking One disabled parking bay for every twenty five parking spaces Size of perpendicular parking space 4800mm x 2400mm If there is more than one disabled parking bay, add 900mm between bays for optimum access. |
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| Emergency Procedures All escape routes should be usable by people with disabilities Emergency alarm system should be linked with general lighting for visual alert |
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| Universal key for accessible toilets A Universal key for accessible toilets can be purchased from J Williams & Son, Dublin, contactable 01 475 6307. The cost is €14.50; the key will be sent out by registered post for an additional €10. |
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