Recently, we have received many emails from people seeking information on grants for security and alarm installations for their older relatives. 

With burglaries on the rise, this is a very understandable concern.

There is a such a scheme run by the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government. It it called The Seniors Alert Scheme. This replaced the former Scheme of Community Support for Older People. 

However, grants are only available through community and voluntary groups registered with the Department, and there are not many. Below is a summary of the scheme, from Citizens Information.

To be eligible for the scheme you must be:

- 65 of over with limited means or resources

- Living alone or with someone who is also eligible

- Living in an area covered by a registered community group 

- Able to benefit from the supplied equipment

- Willing to stay in contact with the community group

- Monitored personal alarms, smoke detectors, and carbon monoxide detectors

- External security lights

- Internal emergency lights

Applications must be made by the registered community group in your area. When they identify a person needing support, they:

- Assess the person's eligibility and complete the relevant application form

- Identify the required equipment and obtain quotations from suppliers

- Submit the application to the Department

- www.citizensinformation.ie/en/justice/crime_and_crime_prevention/seniors_alert.html

- www.environ.ie/en/Community/SeniorsAlert/