Ireland’s Minister for Health, Kieran O’Donnell, is encouraging nursing home operators to submit claims before the Residential Premises Upgrade (RPU) Scheme closes for applications on 14 November.

The €10m scheme assists nursing homes to improve and upgrade their premises and to meet compliance with regulations including Regulation 17 (Premises) of S.I. No. 415/2013, Health Act 2007 (Care and Welfare of Residents in Designated Centres for Older People) Regulations 2013 (as amended).

And up to €25,000 is available for each qualifying home for eligible works carried out between 1 January 2024 and 31 December 2024, or between 1 January 2025 and 14 November 2025.

O’Donnell said: “The €10m Nursing Home Residential Premises Upgrade Scheme is designed to support private and voluntary nursing homes in upgrading their premises and achieving regulatory compliance, and I urge all eligible nursing homes to apply.

“I am pleased that already this year 156 nursing homes across Ireland have received approximately €3.8m through this scheme.

“I am aware that carrying out works to meet compliance can prove costly for nursing homes, especially for smaller, voluntary, and older nursing homes.

“The aim of this scheme is to alleviate some of the financial pressures this may cause, with up to €25,000 available to each qualifying nursing home for eligible works.

“I advise any nursing home that has not yet applied to submit their applications.

“Alternatively, if a nursing home hasn’t availed of the full €25,000 available and has already carried out eligible works under this scheme, I encourage them to submit a further claim.

“All claims must be submitted for payment by 14 November 2025.

“At all times, my focus is on the safety and wellbeing of residents. It is important that older people and their families are reassured that our long-term residential care facilities meet the highest-possible standards.”