Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 24 October 2024
222. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he is considering changing the defective blocks scheme legislation for exceptional cases to allow side-by-side construction; if he is aware of the difficulties where disability is a factor affecting sourcing suitable temporary accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43677/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI commenced the Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks Act 2022 (the Act) on 22 June 2023 which contains the enhanced grant scheme and adopted the related Regulations on 29 June 2023.
The scheme facilitates the remediation of existing houses that have been damaged by the use of defective concrete blocks. The construction of new separate additional houses is not grant funded.
I have been supportive of the role of facilitators in assisting homeowners through the enhanced grant scheme process. Facilitators are in place in Donegal and can assist homeowners in securing temporary accommodation with priority given to homeowners and families that are most vulnerable. Furthermore a grant is available to homeowners under the Scheme to help them source alternative accommodation. The Government raised this grant amount by 10% to €16,500 on 22 October 2024.
The 2022 DCB Act, as set down by the Oireachtas provides that exempt development status shall automatically apply to remediation works approved under the grant scheme subject to certain provisions set out in Section 28 of the Act. Importantly, remediation works shall only be exempt where on completion of remediation works the dwelling house is not inconsistent with or materially different from the appearance and character of the original dwelling house.
However, there is flexibility in terms of footprint of a rebuild and exact rebuild on the footprint is not required, subject to compliance with Building Regulations and compliance with planning. In such scenarios homeowners should engage with their Competent Building Professional to consider the possible impact on any energy retrofit work they may be considering and the effect a different footprint may have on such works and/or associated grants.
Section 51 of the Act mandates that I commence a review of the operation of the Act by June 2026 (three years after the Act's commencement) and make a report to each House of the Oireachtas regarding the findings and conclusions of such a review within a further 12 month period.
