Laois County Council yesterday announced their upcoming Budget for 2024, and housing was to the fore.
In total, the Council will spend €30.6 million on housing next year.
This represents an increase of almost €9.5 million on 2023.
A large portion of this increase comes from the new Croi Conaithe Scheme, a Government fund designed to support the building of apartments for sale to owner-occupiers.
The Council will have €3.56 million at its disposal from the Croi Conaithe Scheme in 2024.
Housing aid for older people has seen an increase of €180,000, with €640,000 set aside for 2024.
Next year will also see a slight rise in moneys allocated towards homeless services, social and community housing, and housing estate management.
Just over €2 million has been allocated for maintenance of Local Authority housing, representing an increase of €150,000 on 2023.
A further €240,000 has been set aside for carbon monoxide alarms and fire blankets in LA housing, up €50,000 on last year.
The Budget was unanimously welcomed by the elected members, with several hailing the great work done by the Deep Retrofitting program.
However, there was a call for the Council to give more priority to maisonette houses.
Fianna Faíl Cllr Paddy Bracken spearheaded the issue, highlighting the Council’s stock of maisonettes, which he said pointed out are predominantly home to older people.
Cllr Bracken said these older people are particularly vulnerable to the cold weather, and that they would benefit immeasurably from new doors and windows.
The point was reiterated by numerous Cllrs, including Fine Gael Cllrs, Barry Walsh and Conor Bergin, and Sinn Féin Cllr, Caroline Dwane Stanley.
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