Dundalk councillor welcomes commitment to get Housing Adaptation Grants process open

Dundalk's Cllr Seán Kelly has said that he welcomes commitment from Louth County Council to get Housing Adaptation Grants (HAGs) application process open as soon as possible. 

Cllr Kelly raised the matter at the Dundalk Municipal District September meeting, asking that the Council begin accepting applications as soon as possible in order for the processing of them could begin, so when funds are available next year it would be in a position to make offers as soon as possible. The Fianna Fáil councillor said that "this offers people hope that issues within their home will be dealt with". 

At present Louth County Council are dealing with a backlog of over 500 applications currently on hand. Cllr Kelly said that these grants, aimed particularly at older people and those with a disability, were a lifeline and offered people hope of being able to stay in their own home. 

John Lawrence, Acting Director of Services, Housing, in response said that it was Council's intention to open applications as soon as possible and it would not be January as previously advised.

There are three grants available for older people and people with disabilities to help make their home safer and easier to get around. The grants are: Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability, Mobility Aids Grant and Housing Aid for Older People Grant. 

Mr Lawrence told the meeting, that one way they could speed up reopening of the process, is a full submission of all documentation when making the application. He said that when an application comes in incomplete, it delays the whole process. 

He added that the intention is to streamline the submission process but further added that they do not have the capacity to help people fill out the forms.