Council sets record straight on vacant housing numbers

Cavan County Council says it will resume taking applications from and on behalf of vulnerable adults for Housing Adaptation Grants, however the process remains “paused” due to a lack of funding.

There are at this time currently more than 240 outstanding applications, with works in excess of €2.6M. The decision to stall taking in any more new applications was taken so the council could focus on meeting the existing demand by those deemed most in need. This is being done on a case-by-case basis and it too is funding dependent.

Housing Adaptation Grants support private homeowners to carry out essential works to improve accessibility or living conditions, particularly for older people and those living with a physical, sensory, mental health or intellectual disability.

The suite of grants available are 85% funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, with a 15% contribution from the local authority.

The council wrote to applications at end of May to inform them of the unprecedented measure.

However, following pressure from elected members, the council has now done a u-turn. Members at the July meeting of Cavan County Council were told by the executive that it is prepared to continue receiving applications even though its hands remain tied until such time as more funding comes available.

Director of Services, Lynda McGavigan, told local councillors they had received an allocation in May but this had been spent quickly.

“Substantial extra” funding is needed to keep the scheme afloat, and a further application for same has since been made to the Department, with an outcome not expected until closer to the end of the year.

In 2024, the council processed 239 Housing Adaptation Grants worth €2.26M, and to date in 2025 covered approximately 293 applications to a value of €2.3M.

Independent Ireland's Shane P O'Reilly, who tabled a motion at the July meeting calling for a reversal on the decision, asked that the council send forward a delegation to meet with Minister for Housing, James Browne. “As a county, it's the only thing we can do.”

Fine Gael's TP O'Reilly, who also had a motion down, said there was a “lot of frustration” out there following the pause on applications. “The government needs to step up here.”

He also warned against what a delay might mean for some. Much could have changed six months further down the line. He highlighted how it would be an unpleasant experience for a family to a call from a council official updating them on the status of a deceased loved one's application.

It was Cathaoirleach John Paul Feeley who first shared that the council had taken the decision to continue to accept applications even though they won't be processed, and that these “will be held” until such time as funding is available.

“We want to keep people living in their homes,” opined Independent Brendan Fay; while Fianna Fáil's Áine Smith credited the scheme and its importance for people living right across the country.

Cllr Winston Bennett (FG) agreed, as did Cllrs Patricia Walsh (FF), Val Smith (FG) and Trevor Smith (FG).