An Implementation Steering Group for the current Defective Concrete Blocks (DCB) Grant scheme has been in place since 2023 with a sub-group of this group also established to discuss financial aspects of the scheme. The work of this sub-group resulted in updated guidance for local authorities that facilitated the earlier payment of certain costs incurred by applicants to the grant scheme.
My Department remains fully committed to continuing to engage with stakeholders to ensure that the views of relevant stakeholders can, and are being heard. A Homeowner Liaison Officer, Mr. John O'Connor, works with homeowner groups and my Department to ensure that the concerns of these key stakeholders are heard and dealt with. My Department meets regularly with elected representatives in affected counties as well as with representative bodies on specific issues as and when the need arises.
My Department met with representatives from the Banking and Payments Federation Ireland (BPFI) on 27 February 2025 during which a multi-stakeholder group on the DCB Grant scheme was raised by the BPFI. My understanding is that this a group set up by the BPFI and others to discuss financial matters related to homes affected by DCB and that it met for the first time in January this year. My Department will consider attending future meetings of this Group where appropriate and where the issues raised relate directly to the DCB Scheme.
