Housing grant demands in Leitrim already exceeds 2024 figures

Leitrim County Council expects to fully expend its current allocation of €1,162,948 for the Disabled Persons Grant and the Housing Adaptation Grant, which requires an estimated match funding contribution of €205,226 from the Council’s own resources.

Concerns have been raised regarding the Council’s capacity to support the full number of applicants for housing grants such as Housing Aid for Older People, Mobility Aids, and Housing Adaptation, as demand continues to rise.

Cllr Pádraig Fallon requested a breakdown of the number of applications received for these grants in both 2024 and 2025. So far in 2025, 115 individuals have applied for some form of housing grant, compared to 113 applications in the entirety of 2024.

Cllr Fallon explained that he submitted the motion in response to a growing number of constituents seeking information about the grants. 

“The figures are very interesting. They probably confirm what we as members of the local authority see regarding that, to date, applications this year actually exceeded last year's figures already,” he said.

He warned of significant funding challenges ahead. “We know the value of these grants and what they do in keeping people in their homes. This local authority needs to see increased funding, we need to see it nationally,” he added.

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In 2024, the total value of grants paid amounted to €892,669, with a corresponding co-funding cost to Leitrim County Council of €239,974. So far in 2025, grants totalling €323,757 have been paid, requiring co-funding of €64,751.

In a similar motion, Cllr Paddy O’Rourke called on the Council to contact the Department of Housing to request additional funding, given the unprecedented demand currently being experienced in the county. 

Leitrim County Council’s current allocation is €1,162,948, with an estimated match funding requirement of €205,226. He also inquired whether any contingency plans are in place.

Mary Quinn, Director of Services for Housing, acknowledged the increase in demand for the grants. She noted that there are no contingency provisions in place, explaining that accommodating such a need would require reallocating funds from other areas. 

She also clarified that the Council would not approach the Department of Housing for additional funding until the current allocation has been fully spent.

Ms Quinn stated that a review of expenditure is ongoing, and that a workshop with councillors will follow to provide updated information. “We’re reviewing the figure and level of demand and know where we’re at come September. We need another few months to see how the figures turn out,” she said.

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Cllr O’Rourke also pointed out a trend of reduced scope in repair works for elderly homeowners. “What’s being offered in some cases is partial repair which doesn’t represent value for money,” he said.

Ms Quinn emphasised that the grants are intended for essential repairs only. “It is not a house refurbishment grant and it was never designed to cover the full cost of the works,” she explained.

She stressed that the resources are prioritised for those most in need, and the grants aim to allow individuals to remain in their homes through necessary repairs. “If a part of the roof needs replacing in terms of a number of tiles, then that’s what’ll be improved, not the whole roof,” she added.