Housing adaptation grant delays in Waterford came under scrutiny at this month’s plenary meeting of Waterford City and County Council, after Labour councillor Thomas Pratt highlighted concerns raised by local contractors.

Cllr Pratt told the meeting that contractors face long delays in receiving payments for housing adaptation works, warning that many small operators cannot afford to carry out essential works while waiting for the council to release grant funding.

Responding to the concerns, Director of Services for Housing Seamus de Faoite said the council acknowledges issues with a “small number of payments” for housing adaption grants and confirmed officials are working to streamline the process so funds can issue more quickly.

Mr de Faoite also confirmed that the council increased funding for housing adaptation grants this year but said demand has grown sharply.

Applications rose from 369 in 2022 to approximately 810 this year, representing a significant increase.

The council has allocated around €2 million for housing adaptation grants in 2025, with Mr de Faoite noting that most of the funding goes directly to small local contractors, ensuring the money stays within the local community.

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