Private Sector Housing Grants
Overview
If you — or a member of your household — have a disability, mobility needs, or your home requires essential repairs or improvements so that you can continue to live there safely and independently, you may qualify for one of the three means-tested private sector housing grants administered by Louth County Council.
These grants are funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and support homeowners to adapt, improve, or repair their property based on assessed need.
1. Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability (HAGS)
The Housing Adaptation Grant supports major home adaptations to meet the needs of a person with a disability, enabling them to live safely and comfortably in their home.
Examples of eligible works:
- Level-access (wet room) shower / full bathroom adaptation
- Widening of doorways / internal layout reconfiguration
- Provision of a downstairs bathroom and/or bedroom
- Extensions, where required to meet disability needs
- Fixed adaptations based on Occupational Therapist (OT) recommendation
Occupational Therapist requirement:
- An Occupational Therapist report is required for all applications, and must accompany the application form.
- The applicant pays for the OT assessment up front; this cost is reimbursed as part of the final grant payment.
Maximum grant amount: ➡️ Up to €40,000 (means-tested — up to 100% of approved costs)
2. Mobility Aids Grant Scheme (MAGS)
The Mobility Aids Grant provides funding for minor mobility-related works that improve immediate access and movement within the home.
Examples of eligible works:
- Stair lift installation
- Grab rails
- Access ramp
- Minor mobility bathroom improvements (e.g. replacing a bath with a simple shower unit)
Occupational Therapist requirement:
- An Occupational Therapist report is required for all MAGS applications.
- As with HAGS, the applicant covers the cost of the OT assessment initially, and this cost is reimbursed in the final grant payment.
Maximum grant amount: ➡️ Up to €8,000 (means-tested — up to 100% of approved costs)
NOTE: This grant is not available if the household income for the previous tax year is more than €37,500
3. Housing Aid for Older People Scheme (HOPS)
The Housing Aid for Older People Scheme is for people 66 years old or more to carry out essential repairs or improvements so that they can continue to live safely and comfortably in their own home.
Examples of eligible works:
- Roof or structural repairs
- Heating system installation or upgrade (Grants are not available to buy new fossil fuel boilers, for example oil or gas boilers).
- Electrical rewiring
- Repair or replacement of windows and doors
Maximum grant amount: ➡️ Up to €10,700 (means-tested — up to 100% of approved costs)
(An OT report is not required for HOPS.)
Understanding Your Housing Grant Options
The following videos, produced by The Housing Agency Ireland, offer a quick overview of the Housing Adaptation Grant for People with Disabilities and the Housing Aid for Older People Grant
Who can apply?
To qualify for any of these grants:
- You must own the property and live in it as your main residence (Private tenants may apply with landlord’s written consent.)
- Household income must be below €75,000 (after allowable deductions) for HAGs and HOPs and below €37,500 for MAGS
- An Occupational Therapist report is required for all HAGS and MAGS applications.
- The applicant pays for the OT assessment up front — this cost is reimbursed at the final grant payment stage.
Before applying
- Do not begin any works until written approval is issued.
- Works already started or completed are not eligible for grant support.
- Obtain itemised contractor quotations (including VAT).
- Ensure you include the OT report (HAGS/MAGS) with your application.
How to apply
- Download and complete the Louth County Council Housing Grants Application Form and appropriate checklist(one form covers HAGS, MAGS, and HOPS).
- Attach supporting documentation:
- Proof of household income
- Evidence that Local Property Tax is up to date
- Occupational Therapist report (HAGS & MAGS only)
- Builder/contractor quotation
3. Submit your completed application to:
Housing Grants Section
Louth County Council
County Hall, Millennium Centre
Dundalk
Co. Louth
A91 KFW6
Tel: 042 933 5457 Email: housinggrants@louthcoco.ie
Once works are completed and inspected, payment will be issued in line with the approved grant amount.
The cost of the OT assessment will be reimbursed at this stage (where applicable).
Important information
- All grants are means-tested and subject to annual funding availability.
- The approved grant amount may be less than the full cost of works.
- Extensions under HAGS are considered only where lower-cost adaptations are not suitable.
- Payment is made only after:
- submission of final invoice
- inspection by Louth County Council and confirmation that the works comply with the conditions of grant approval.
Checklist External HAG MAG Irish Version
Checklist External HOPS Irish Version
