Pause in Housing Adaptation Grant for older people a 'regressive step'

Louth County Council have been told its decision to pause non-emergency housing grant applications is a "regressive step". 

It was confirmed that the local authority would pause the general acceptance of new applications for Housing Adaptation Grants (HAGs), Mobility Aid Grants (MAGs) and Housing for Older Persons Grants (HOPs) from the close of business on Friday, 1 May 2026.

The Housing Grants for Older Persons and Disabled People supports private homeowners who need to carry out essential works to improve accessibility or living conditions, particularly for older people and those living with disabilities. These schemes play aim to enable people to remain living independently in their own communities.

Sinn Féin councillor for Ardee, Pearse McGeough, told the April meeting of Louth County Councillor that the move is a "regressive step" and said "it's not good enough". 

"There are people in horrendous situations and some of their homes are dangerous for them."

"Please god it won’t be a long-term thing but it’s terrible that it’s happening," he said. 

In a statement, the Louth County Council said the decision came due to "significant demand for the schemes." 

"Due to the high volume of applications already processed and received, a significant proportion of the Council’s 2026 housing grants allocation has already been committed." 

Dundalk councillor Marianne Butler said it's "obvious that our budget provision for this scheme isn't sufficient". 

The Green Party councillors said the schemes have been "very successful" in Louth compared to other parts of the country. 

Cllr Butler questioned if the local authority could be allocated funding that hasn't been used by other counties. 

"Similar to what happens to the retrofit programme, if one county isn’t using their allocation it’s put to counties that are actively using the money."

Is there an argument that we could go back to the Department and say we need more, we’re doing this, people want this in County Louth and look for that money to be reallocated towards quarter three or quarter four [2026], when it’s obvious that other local authorities are not going to use that money," she said.

Ger Murphy, Director of Housing with Louth County Council said the decision is "regrettable" but "necessary to ensure we have enough funding for the remainder of the year". 

Mr Murphy said applications for the different schemes have been going "up and up" in recent years, partially due to an ageing population." 

“While I acknowledge that this course of action is not ideal, it is necessary to ensure that Louth County Council can meet its existing commitments and prioritise those with the most urgent medical and care needs. The Housing Grants team will endeavour to process as many existing cases and new emergency Priority 1 cases as possible within the remaining projected 2026 allocation,” he said.

In 2026, Louth County Council received a combined capital allocation of €4.14 million from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. This funding supported the processing of a substantial number of grants, with 351 approvals and payments paid in 2025 alone.

While the pause will affect new, non‑emergency applications, Priority 1 (emergency) applications will continue to be accepted and assessed on a case‑by‑case basis, subject to available funding.

As defined by Department of Housing guidelines, Priority 1 applications relate to cases involving terminal illness, situations where a person is primarily dependent on a carer or family member, or where home adaptations are required to facilitate discharge from hospital or residential care.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.