COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, February 09, 2026

QUESTION NO. 6

QUESTION: Councillor Y. Collins

To ask the Chief Executive what are the issues which cause the most delays in processing Housing Adaptation Grant applications which are ultimately successful?

REPLY:

We acknowledge that delays in the processing of grant payments may cause hardship for applicants and every effort is made to minimise such delays. However, this may arise where applications are submitted without all required supporting documentation. The principal reasons delays occur in approval of housing adaptation grants include the following:

• Incomplete application forms- Application forms are submitted with sections left incomplete, or with insufficient information provided to allow a full assessment.
• Insufficient proof of income-Applicants may fail to submit the required documentation to verify income, such as a Statement of Liability for those in employment or in receipt of private pensions, or confirmation from the Department of Social Protection for applicants solely in receipt of social welfare payment or the State Pension.
• Occupational Therapist (OT) reports and receipts- Occupational Therapist reports are required to assess certain adaptations. Where such reports are not provided, applications cannot progress. The cost of a private OT report, up to a maximum of €300, may be claimed where an application is approved.
• Local Property Tax (LPT) compliance- Applicants may not provide the required documentation to demonstrate LPT compliance. Acceptable evidence includes proof of payment, deferral, or exemption. LPT documentation also serves to verify the identity of the registered property owner.
• Required contractor reports and drawings- For applications involving works such as heating, electrical, or roofing repairs, contractor reports are required. Applications involving extensions must also be accompanied by appropriate architectural drawings.

A checklist of all required documentation is included on the grant application form. When applications are incomplete, further information must be sought before assessment can proceed, which can extend overall processing times. The current average return rate across the South Dublin administrative area for applications is 45%, primarily due to the reasons outlined above.

Once the works have been completed to the satisfaction of our Clerk of Works, the processing time for grant payment varies depending on the completeness and accuracy of the documentation submitted by the applicant. The formal approval letter issued prior to the commencement of works clearly outlines the documentation required for payment to be processed.

The required documentation includes:

1. A completed supplier setup form (containing the applicant’s PPS number and bank account details)
2. A bank header dated within the previous six months
3. A completion slip signed by both the applicant and the contractor
4. An itemised invoice from the contractor
5. Where the approved grant amount exceeds €10,000, a valid tax clearance certificate is required. This tax clearance is verified by a member of the Private Grants Team through the Revenue Commissioners’ online system. Where an applicant’s tax clearance has expired or is not in place, the applicant is contacted and advised to engage directly with the Revenue Commissioners to regularise the matter.

Where documentation is outstanding or incomplete, a member of the private grants team liaises directly with the applicant to ensure that all required information is submitted. This includes direct engagement with contractors where clarification is required, most commonly in relation to itemised invoices, which are a requirement under the grant scheme. Upon receipt of complete and accurate documentation, the grant payment is approved and the file is forwarded to the the Fianance Department for payment. 

Applicants who need support with the process may contact the private grants team by emailing hgrants@sdublincoco.ie or by telephone at 01 414 9373. Additionally, where the applicant is aged 65 or over, further assistance is available through the Healthy Age Friendly Homes Programme. This is a free service that provides access to a local co-ordinator who can visit the applicant in their home and offer guidance through the grant process. The programme can be contacted via its National Office at 046 924 8899. These local co-ordinators support the population over 65 years in the South Dublin County Council area and will make an appointment to visit an applicant in their home to advise and  assist with the grant application. Their contact information is included on correspondence sent to applicants whose incomplete application forms are returned.

In 2025, the council fully expended the funding allocation provided by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage across the three private grant schemes available to private homeowners.

More information on the schemes is available on www.sdcc.ie