Additional funding of €570k for Louth Housing Adaption Grants secured

Sinn Féin TD for Louth/East Meath Imelda Munster has welcomed the news that €570k is additional funding has been released to Louth County Council to deal with housing adaptions.

Deputy Munster said: “Louth County Council stopped accepting new applications for the three grants at the end of April causing huge distress to the people affected.

"Almost 600 of our most vulnerable people in Louth are currently on these waiting lists, many of them waiting years, with many others waiting for the opportunity to submit their applications.

“Every single applicant is a person with health and mobility issues.

"Every application represents a person struggling to stay in their own home with the support of loved ones.

“I had raised this matter in the Dáil several times, I had questioned Minister of State Kieran O'Donnell. I had contacted the department on this issue and followed up on it through every available avenue.

“After raising the matter with the Department for Housing in the Public Accounts Committee, again, I was glad to receive the news that €570k in additional funding had just been allocated to Louth County Council and is waiting to be drawn down.

“They also said that the scheme should reopen in Louth to new applications before the end of the year which is most welcome news as I know of people, languishing in hospitals and respite homes, who can’t go home until their house is adapted.

“The review into how theses schemes are funded and operated is ongoing and may be finalised in the new year.

“It is now up to Louth County Council to draw down the money and deliver for the people on the waiting list. I will be in touch with them regarding many cases soon, as there’s no more excuses for any delays."