More than €56m is to be spent on housing adaptations for older people and those with disabilities.

It will allow extensions on private houses to be built for people with a disability, as well as mobility alterations such as stair lifts and access ramps.

The funding of €56.25m represents an increase of €5.75m on the 2016 expenditure.

The Department of the Environment says every local authority will be getting more funding for the housing adaptation grants in 2016 than they actually spent in 2015.

It adds that by making the allocation in February, local authorities will be in a better position to maximise their spend on works.

The grants are 80% funded from the Exchequer by the Department of Environment, with 20% funding from the relevant local authority.

Grants are payable in the main to owner-occupied (private) housing, and houses being purchased under the tenant purchase scheme, private rented accommodation; accommodation provided under voluntary housing schemes and accommodation occupied by persons living in communal residences are also eligible.

Grants of up to €30,000 are available for an adaptation, up to €8,000 for housing aid for older people and up to €6,000 for mobility aids.