Irish homeowners affected by defective blocks can now apply to enhanced grant scheme

An enhanced grant scheme providing up to €420,000 to homeowners affected by defective concrete blocks has commenced. 

The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’ Brien TD, yesterday (July 3) announced the onset of the enhanced Defective Concrete Blocks (DCB) Grant Scheme, which will provide financial support to affected homeowners in counties Donegal, Mayo, Limerick and Clare whose homes were constructed with defective blocks. 

Transitional arrangements for the transfer of applicants from the current scheme to the new scheme are in place, with new applications now also accepted. 

Speaking about the news, Minister O'Brien said, "I am really pleased to be able to launch this much needed scheme today. I know the difficulties faced by affected households in financial and personal terms has been very significant these past number of years.

"The improved package of measures under this considerably enhanced scheme will mark a new beginning for those who need to remediate their homes." 

The minister acknowledged the efforts of all involved, stating, "I particularly want to thank the affected homeowners for working with my Department and their County Councils on the development of the enhanced scheme. I feel through their constructive and helpful engagement we have managed to develop a Scheme that can, and will deliver for all concerned." 

He concluded: "I look forward to continuing this positive working relationship. To this end I have asked my Department to establish, without delay, an Implementation Steering Group made up of officials from the relevant local authorities, the Department, the Housing Agency and the Homeowner’s Liaison Officer to ensure the successful roll-out of the enhanced scheme. 

"I have also asked the implementation steering group to provide me with a first report of the operation of the scheme after 6 months. I have always said that schemes evolve and this one will be no different. Given the complex nature of the scheme it will be important to keep the operation of the regulations and guidelines under review.

"The Implementation Steering Group will be tasked with working through issues as they arise and to make recommendations to me if further changes to the regulations or guidelines are needed." 

The Department is advising homeowners to be aware of possible delays in the early stages of the new scheme due to the high volume of calls and queries to local authorities. 

Key features of the Scheme include: 

• 100% grants subject to an overall maximum grant of €420,000 per dwelling 
• grant rates in keeping with advice from SCSI 
• a government guarantee in the form of a second grant option if required for a period of 40 years 
• a revised application process which removes the financial barrier to scheme entry 
• an independent appeals process for applicants 
• alternative accommodation and storage costs and immediate repair works to a maximum value of €25,000 
• the expertise of the Housing Agency in assessing applications 
• the inclusion of RTB registered rental properties 
• the inclusion of Clare and Limerick in the enhanced scheme upon commencement and the option for other counties to enter the scheme
• exempt development status for like for like remediation works completed under the scheme 

Under the enhanced scheme, the basic rate per square metre applicable to homes in Donegal and Mayo is €2,045 for the first 180 square metres, while the corresponding figure in Limerick and Clare is €2,160.