Press Release: Wednesday 23 September 2026
Minister O’Donnell encourages nursing home providers to submit claims before the Nursing Home Resident Environment Enhancement (REE) Scheme closes for applications on 20 November 2026
- €10 million Nursing Home Resident Environment Enhancement (REE) Scheme is assisting nursing homes to improve and upgrade their premises and helping to meet compliance with regulations.
- Up to €25,000 is available to each qualifying nursing home for eligible works under the scheme.
- Claims can be made for eligible works carried out between 1 January 2025 and 20 November 2026.
The Minister of State for Older People and Housing, Kieran O’Donnell T.D., reminds nursing home providers that the Nursing Home Resident Environment Enhancement (REE) Scheme will accept applications until 20 November 2026.
With the aim of enhancing the daily lived experience of nursing home residents, up to €25,000 is available to each qualifying nursing home for structural/other works carried out to specifically enhance the resident environment, safety and facilities in nursing homes in 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) as it applies to internal and external communal spaces for residents, their bedrooms/bathrooms, and equipment, furniture and furnishings for use by residents.
Eligible nursing homes may claim for works carried out this year between 1 January and 20 November 2026 and also for works previously undertaken during 2025, between 1 January 2025 and 31 December 2025, that meet the scheme criteria. To date, under the REE Scheme, €3.88 million has already been paid to 159 nursing homes.
Minister O’Donnell said:
“The €10 million Nursing Home Resident Environment Enhancement (REE) Scheme is about enhancing the day‑to‑day lived experience of residents and I would encourage all eligible nursing homes to apply.
“Under the REE Scheme, enhancements to residents’ bedrooms and bathrooms, personal spaces, and communal areas are designed to support residents’ dignity, safety, independence, privacy, social engagement, and overall wellbeing.
“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 scheme aims to alleviate some of these financial pressures, 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. Furthermore, 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 20 November 2026.
“At all times my focus is on the safety and wellbeing of nursing home 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.