11-06-2025
No new housing adaption grants being accepted in Cavan as unrelenting demand forces hand of local authority bosses to enforce ‘temporary pause' on scheme
Senior officials have said the unprecedented measure to temporarily pause new applications was being taken with immediate effect in order to meet existing demand and tackle those applications which are deemed to be most in need.
'Due to significant demand and the high volume of applications already processed in 2025, Cavan County Council will temporarily pause the general acceptance of new applications for Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and Disabled People (HAGs), Mobility Aids Grants (MAGs), and Housing Aid for Older People (HOPs),' a spokesperson said.
'This measure will take place with immediate effect.
'Regrettably, this is a necessary measure to ensure existing commitments are met and to prioritise those applicants with the most urgent medical and care needs.'
The Housing Adaptation Grants scheme 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.
Under current regulations, local authorities like those in Cavan contributes 15-20pc to each approved grant.
The spokesperson said the local authority was particularly mindful of the importance of the scheme in allowing those who fall under its remit to continue to live independently.
That said, and in order to cope with demand only those applications from persons who are in the most urgent category will be prioritised for the time being.
'Cavan County Council recognises the scheme aims to support vulnerable members of the community to remain in their homes and within their communities for as long as possible,' added the spokesperson.
'Therefore, going forward, only Priority 1 applications will be assessed. This will be done on a case-by-case basis and will be funding dependent.
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'Priority 1 applications relate to cases where the person is terminally ill or primarily dependent on family or a carer or where adaptations to the home would support them leaving hospital/residential care.
"All other unapproved applications other than Priority 1 currently on hand or received will be returned to the applicants advising them that a temporary pause on the scheme has taken effect.'
Local authority bosses said a review will be conducted in October as to whether to recommence the scheme which, it said, would be subject to funding and the present demand for Priority 1 applications.
