Defective Building Materials

Tuesday, 16 December 2025

Ceisteanna (562)

Charles Ward

Ceist:

562. Deputy Charles Ward asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will urgently examine the situation facing community childcare in County Donegal, many community-based early-years services are severely affected by defective concrete; the specific supports available or that will be made available, to early-years and childcare facilities whose buildings have been structurally compromised; and if he will ensure that such services are explicitly considered within forthcoming policy or legislative measures aimed at addressing affected community facilities, given the critical role they play in communities. [71626/25]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

The Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks Act 2022 (the Act) commenced on 22 June 2023 which contains the current grant scheme and the related Regulations were adopted on 29 June 2023.

The Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks (Amendment) Bill 2025 was passed by the Dáil on 10 December 2025, completed Second Stage in Seanad on 11 December 2025 and is scheduled for Committee Stage in the Seanad on 16 December 2025.

The Grant scheme provides financial assistance for residential homes and therefore the priority is to ensure that homes being occupied as principal private residences are remediated and Government has therefore prioritised owner occupied principal private residences and tenanted rental properties which were RTB registered as at 1 November 2021. Provided a property meets this criteria of principal private residence, or the property is an RTB registered property as at 1 November 2021 it is eligible to apply for entry to the current Defective Concrete Blocks Grant Scheme.

Queries relating to childcare facilities should be directed to the Minister for the Department of Children, Disability and Equality.