Council Announces Pause on Non Emergency Housing Grant Applications

Louth County Council has announced that it will 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 decision comes on the back of 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.

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 an important role in enabling people to remain living independently in their own communities.

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.

All other applications received during the pause will be recorded but returned to applicants, along with a clear explanation of the current budgetary constraints.

Ger Murphy, Director of Services, Louth County Council, said:

“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.”

Members of the public with questions regarding their eligibility or application status are encouraged to contact Louth County Council’s Housing Grants team for further information and guidance.