More than €85K in adaptation grants unused in Cavan – Tully

Some €85,091 worth of grants meant to help older people and people with disabilities living in social housing in County Cavan were not drawn down last year.

The details were released to Sinn Féin and local TD Pauline Tully says that vulnerable people are missing out on much-needed adaptations required in their homes.

In 2022, €299,700 was allocated to Cavan for the Disabled Persons Grant Scheme but just €214,609 was drawn down.

“It is likely that much of this is due to the fact the amounts awarded are so low that they aren’t feasible due to rising construction costs caused by inflation.

“The scheme isn’t able to keep pace with these costs and in the meantime, much-needed adaptations can’t go ahead," contended Deputy Tully.

She's urging the Department of Housing and Cavan County Council to look into this issue urgently to ensure that the scheme can operate, as intended, without delay.

“Many people in Cavan have been waiting for long periods for approval for these grants, which would make a major difference to their quality of life and ensure that they are safe in their homes. They are relieved to be approved for a grant, only to find that the work is unable to be delivered. They need clarity about when the flaws in this scheme will be resolved,” concluded the Sinn Fein TD.