Thirty community groups are to share more than €100,000 from the final round of the Scheme of Community Support for Older People.

Pat Carey TD, Minister at the Department of Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs, announced the latest successful applicants, which brings the total amount of funding provided through the programme during the current year to over €1 million.

The Scheme has now been replaced by a new Seniors Alert Scheme that will offer voluntary and community groups grants to help people aged 65 and above to continue living in their own homes.

Funding will be available to cover costs such as buying and installing personal alarm systems, smoke alarms, security lighting, carbon monoxide detectors and other such equipment.

Announcing the funding, Minister Carey said:

"As a result of this allocation, a further 282 older persons will have benefited from the Scheme. I am confident that the equipment made available by this funding will bring safety and peace of mind to older people.’’

For further details about the new Seniors Alert Scheme, visit the Department of Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs website (opens a new window)

Source: Department of Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs, 22/06/2010