Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 September 2024
420. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will ensure the 10% increase in the cap for the enhanced defective concrete block grant scheme is available to all homeowners who have already been granted support under the scheme, in line with the established principle of retrospective payments and fairness to all. [36937/24]
View answerI commenced the Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks Act 2022 ('the 2022 Act') on 22 June 2023, which contains the enhanced grant scheme and adopted the related Regulations on 29 June 2023.
A review mechanism is provided within the 2022 Act, which provides for an increase or decrease the overall grant scheme cap (currently €420,000) a year after the Act has been commenced by no more than 10%, in accordance with the conditions of Section 11 of the Act.
My Department received updated cost reports from the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland (SCSI) that have been considered by the Expert Group I established. The Expert Group has recommended increases under the 2022 Act and I will bring a Memo to Government shortly to increase the current scheme cap for remediation options, ancillary grants and the grant rates.
I have engaged with Minister McConalogue on this matter and aim to bring a proposal to Cabinet soon.
