Minister O’Donnell encourages nursing home providers to submit claims before the Residential Premises Upgrade (RPU) Scheme closes for applications on 14 November 2025

Minister O’Donnell encourages nursing home providers to submit claims before the Residential Premises Upgrade (RPU) Scheme closes for applications on 14 November 2025

• €10 million Nursing Home Residential Premises Upgrade (RPU) Scheme is assisting nursing homes in improving and upgrading their premises and meeting compliance with regulations.
• Up to €25,000 is available for each qualifying nursing home for eligible works under the scheme.
• Claims can be made for eligible works carried out between 1 January 2024 and 14 November 2025.

The Minister of State for Older People and Housing, Kieran O’Donnell TD reminds nursing home providers that the Nursing Home Residential Premises Upgrade (RPU) Scheme will accept applications until 14 November 2025 with the next round of payments due at the end of September.

With the aim of improving the premises of private and voluntary nursing homes to meet the needs of residents, up to €25,000 is available to each qualifying nursing home for structural works to improve compliance with 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).

Eligible nursing homes may claim costs for structural works undertaken under the scheme that have been completed between 1 January 2024 and 31 December 2024, or between 1 January 2025 and 14 November 2025.

Minister O’Donnell said:

“The €10 million 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 €3.8 million throughthis 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 by14November 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.”

Scheme details including application forms are available on the Health Service Executive (HSE) and the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) websites.

ENDS //

NOTES TO EDITOR

• The Department of Health oversees the scheme and report to Minister O’Donnell on the operation of the scheme.
• The HSE administer the scheme and the NTPF administer the application process and provide support and advice to the HSE.
• Payments are made on a quarterly basis with the next payments due at the end of September.
• Applications will not be accepted after the closing date of 14 November 2025.