Departmental Data

Thursday, 22 January 2026

Ceisteanna (396, 408)

Niall Collins

Ceist:

396. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for an update on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5116/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

408. Deputy Charles Ward asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the current status of the amendment Bill relating to the defective concrete blocks grant scheme; to clarify when the Amendment Bill is expected to be enacted; the way in which the amended scheme will be administered; the role of local authorities; whether any interim administrative arrangements are being considered pending its commencement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5255/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

I propose to take Questions Nos. 396 and 408 together.

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 initiated in Dáil Eireann on 2 December 2025, passed both Houses of the Oireachtas and was subsequently signed into law by the President, thereby becoming an Act, on the 23 December 2025.

The 2025 amendments make provision for the 2024 increases in the Scheme cap and rates to apply to a wider group of relevant owners, along with a number of technical amendments to ensure equity and efficient administration of the Scheme. The related Regulations will be adopted as soon as possible and provide for all matters within the Act which require to be prescribed and will provide the finer detail around how the amendments will operate in the scheme. A date for commencement of the new provisions of the amended Act will also be set as soon as possible and therefore no interim administrative arrangements are being considered at this time.

Local authorities have responsibility for the administration of the Scheme. This includes the initial validation of applications, notifying homeowners of the Housing Agency's determinations on damage threshold, the appropriate remediation option and grant amount, determination of the grant payable for alternative accommodation and storage costs and immediate repair works and the subsequent payment of grants to successful applicants.

Question No. 397 answered with Question No. 257.