'People in nursing homes that could be at home' if housing adaptation grants not halted

Louth County Council paused most housing adaptation grant applications due to funding pressures, processing only priority one cases because demand is high. A Sinn Fein TD raised the issue in the Dáil, describing repeated pauses as a recurring crisis. The TD said additional funding and resources are needed for three housing adaptation grant schemes in Louth. The council sent a circular in early May stating it could not accept applications other than priority one applicants. The TD said very few applicants qualify as priority one and that similar pauses occurred in 2023 and the previous year. The TD said local authorities remain under-resourced and citizens suffer unless the government properly funds the schemes.

"Louth County Council was forced to pause most housing adaptation grant applications due to funding pressures, describing the situation as a recurring crisis that is leaving vulnerable people without essential supports. The local authority confirmed last month that it would not be processing any applications further at this time, except for priority one cases, due to the high level of demand."

"“For those that need these vital services in Louth, it's Groundhog Day,” said Deputy Byrne. “There is a huge need for additional funding and resources for the three Housing Adaptation Grant schemes in Louth. On Friday May 1st, just over one third of the way through the year Louth County Council sent a circular saying they could not accept any more housing adaption grant applications, for anything other than priority one applicants.”"

"Deputy Byrne stressed that “very few applicants” would be categorised as priority one. “This is not the first time that Louth County Council had to stop taking applications for these schemes, in 2023 they were paused in April, and again last year.” “The government have had reviews into the housing adaption grants, they looked at this in detail, but here we are again.”"

"“Every application represents a person struggling to stay in their own home with the support of loved ones. The fact remains, that local authorities are still under resourced, and it's our citizens that suffer, unless this government properly funds these schemes.” Deputy Byrne said the response from the Minister was that it would be looked at in the next budget."

Read at Irish Independent