Defective Building Materials

Tuesday, 1 October 2024

Questions (274)

Thomas Pringle

Question:

274. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will consider amending the limits for the ancillary grant under Section 22 (1) of the Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks Act 2022 related to alternative accommodation, in light of the continued upward trend of rental costs in County Donegal and the emerging evidence that remediation completions are averaging 16-18 months (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38855/24]

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Written answers

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

I 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 changes to the current scheme cap for remediation options, ancillary grants and the grant. I will bring a Memo to Government shortly on the matter.