Louth County Council to temporarily pause housing grants
The measure aims to prioritise applicants with the most urgent medical or care needs and to ensure that the council can meet existing commitments. Housing Adaptation Grants are designed to support private homeowners who need essential home modifications, particularly older people and individuals with disabilities. Under current regulations, the council contributes 20pc to each approved grant.
While the pause applies to general applications, those meeting Priority 1 criteria, such as individuals who are terminally ill, primarily dependent on family or a carer, or where home adaptations would support them leaving hospital or residential care, will continue to be accepted and assessed. These cases will remain subject to funding availability.
The temporary pause is expected to last until November 2025, when the new applications may reopen under the 2026 budget allocation.
Applications received during the pause that don't meet the Priority 1 criteria will be recorded but returned to applicants with an explanation of the current budgetary constraints.
Ger Murphy, Director of Services at Louth County Council explained the decision: 'While I acknowledge that this course of action is not ideal, the Housing Grants team will endeavour to process as many existing Priority 1 cases and new emergency cases as possible within the remaining projected 2025 allocation.'
'We fully recognise that this decision will be difficult for many homeowners and families. However, it is essential to ensure that those with the most urgent needs continue to receive support and that we can meet our commitments under the current allocation,' Murphy added.
Members of the public with questions regarding their eligibility or application status are encouraged to contact the council's Housing Grants team directly.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Irish Post
2 days ago
- Irish Post
Chimneys revealed as top cause of house fires in Ireland
CHIMNEYS were the top cause of house fires recorded in Ireland last year. New figures reveal that chimneys, flues, hot ashes and soot were the top cause of the fires which took hold at homes across the country in 2024. Fires occurring due to malicious intent and rubbish burning also featured highly in the statistics published this week, which were compiled by the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management, in the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. The findings are based on data provided by fire services across the country. A row of chimneys on a residential street in Dublin They show that Irish fire brigades attended almost 20,000 fires last year, in locations including domestic buildings, industrial facilities, motor vehicles, forest and grassland areas and outdoor rubbish sites as well as on ships and aircraft. Electrical wiring and electrical equipment, cooking and heating all featured among the causes of fires that took hold in Irish homes. The data also confirmed 25 people died in 2024 due to house fires, 21 of whom were aged 55 or over. 'My condolences to the families and friends of people who have lost their lives to fires,' Keith Leonard, National Director for Fire and Emergency Management said. 'The data published provides a useful insight to the top causes of fire and shows the breadth the work carried out by our fire services,' he added. 'I hope that publishing this data will remind all of us of the need for vigilance and the importance of fire prevention and safety measures. 'I would also like to commend the fantastic work of our fire brigades not only in attendance at fire incidents but also for their role in fire prevention and inspection.' Mr Leonard went on to urge all homeowners to ensure they have working smoke alarms fitted in their properties. 'Our core message is to fit a working smoke alarm and test it weekly, have your chimney cleaned and have an escape plan for your household should a fire break out,' he said. "We can see from these figures that fatalities due to fire incidents are higher amongst those aged 55 and over," he added. 'I would encourage all of us to think of older neighbours and relatives and the next time you are in their homes, check that they have a working smoke alarm – the most important piece of fire safety equipment for the home.' See More: Chimneys, Fire Brigade, House Fires, Ireland
Irish Independent
7 days ago
- Irish Independent
Castlebar park set to become more greener through biodiversity project
The Biodiversity Enhancement Project is being supported by funding from the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Local Biodiversity Action Plan Fund. Transformative works have already taken place in the park, including the planting of over 30 potted native trees, 220 bare-root native whips, 70 metres of native hedgerow, and the creation of large perennial pollinator flowerbeds. Native trees have been used where possible in the park as they support larger numbers of diverse insects, lichens and bird species. In 2025, more funding was allocated to help the park further develop habitats and actions for nature and wildlife. The planting of native hedgerows was proposed to help this development. Hedgerows help provide shelter and a food source for mammals, as well as nectar and pollen sources for pollinators. An important part of the biodiversity project's success is down to community involvement. Castlebar Tidy Towns has played a key role in preparing a biodiversity plot within the park. Town gardener Adrian Roche and his team planted nearly 400 pollinator-friendly flowers and plants, giving a major boost to the area's biodiversity. The project has been a collaborative effort, with members from tidy towns working alongside international protection applicants and Mayo County Council. Ger Deere, a member of Castlebar Tidy Towns and a local councillor, said he was thrilled to see the community coming together to create something beautiful and beneficial for the town. 'We are working with the international protection residents and they are making a huge difference. It's all about integration. We had about 40 international protection residents volunteering with us and a lot of them had never planted flowers before. It was a great day for them and a great sense of achievement and being part of the community,' he said. The project has provided a meaningful opportunity for integration and community engagement all while working to enhance the town park's biodiversity. Biodiversity Officer for Mayo County Council, Sheila Murphy, said the project also hopes to make use of the park's wetter ground, through appropriate wetland planting and with the addition of a willow structure. 'All these features will lend to greater habitat connectivity within the park, via treelines, hedgerows and the Castlebar River riparian margins. The creation of a willow structure will help create a piece of natural infrastructure which will support biodiversity within the park. Native willow can support up to 266 insect species.' Mayo County Council are signed up to the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan. Ms Murphy said an important yet simple measure to help support actions for pollinators is to implementing grass cutting measures: 'Our native pollinators are struggling with over half of our 100 bee species in substantial decline and 30% are threatened with extinction,' she added. Ms Murphy continued: 'The Town Park supports extensive areas of managed grassy areas, however by changing how often areas are cut, if gives greater opportunity for natural native wildflowers to grow, providing a vital food source for pollinators and grassy swards for insects to nest and shelter in, 'In 2025, sections of the park have been left to develop into meadow with striking native species emerging such as the cuckoo flower, bird's foot trefoil, clovers, ox eye daisies and common spotted orchid. Such a diverse species sward in a short period of time is a fantastic achievement illustrating what can be achieved for biodiversity by simple actions and giving nature a chance to thrive, 'It is hoped that a more diverse combination of habitats will not only be beneficial to local biodiversity but also create a much more interesting and enjoyable experience for park users and visitors to Castlebar.' Through a combination of native planting, habitat restoration and strong community involvement, Castlebar Town Park is becoming a centre for biodiversity. With further developments planned in 2025, the park will help to offer environmental benefits while also creating a welcoming space for both residents and visitors. This article has been funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.
Extra.ie
13-08-2025
- Extra.ie
Major 'biosecurity alert' issued for Ireland after Asian hornet found in Cork
The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has issued a 'biosecurity alert for Ireland' after a recent sighting and capture of an Asian hornet was confirmed in Cork. A statement issued by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage warned that the Asian hornet poses a serious threat. 'Even a single nest can devastate honeybee populations,' the statement said. A dedicated taskforce has already been created in response to the jarring discovery in Cork and a government-led response is underway. However, it has been stated that a major public health risk is not an immediate concern. The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has issued a 'biosecurity alert for Ireland' after a recent sighting and capture of an Asian hornet was confirmed in Cork. Pic: Shutterstock Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity Christopher O'Sullivan stressed that the hornet is a 'threat to our native pollinators and our biodiversity.' 'We must take even a single sighting very seriously. NPWS responded quickly to this report, with a team of experts rapidly tasked to monitor and survey the area.' People have been asked to make themselves aware of how Asian Hornets appear and how to identify them. Sightings should be reported immediately to the NPWS help protect Ireland's biodiversity. An Asian hornet is noticeably different from the native European hornet and other wasps in Ireland. You can identify one by these key features: Size: Asian hornets are smaller than the European hornet — at 2.5-3cms. Colour: The hornets have a mostly dark brown or black body with a distinctive yellow-orange band near the end of the abdomen. Their faces are orange or yellowish while their legs are yelllow – this is one of the easiest features to spot so it is worth looking out for. A statement issued by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage warned that the Asian hornet poses a serious threat. Pic: JEAN-PIERRE MULLER/AFP via Getty Images Flight patterns: Asian hornets are often seen hovering in front of beehives, hunting honeybees, so those living near beehives should keep a particular eye out. It is important to note that if you spot an Asian hornet, you are advised to not to try to capture, handle or disturb it. Instead, try to take a clear photo from a safe distance and report the sighting immediately to the NPWS or
