Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 March 2026
403. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of the retrospective defective concrete blocks scheme; the timeline for full sign off, assurances that once signed off, funding will be made available without delay; to ensure commitment that the team are resourced and ready to process payments the moment approval is in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18124/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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 main provision of the 2025 Act provides that increases in the grant scheme cap and rates from October and November 2024 can retrospectively benefit homeowners that incurred qualifying costs under the grant scheme since 29 March 2024.
I have signed the Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks (Amendment) Act 2025 (Commencement) Order 2026 to give effect to these provisions which came into operation on 25 February 2026, with the related Regulations also adopted on 25 February 2026.
These will allow qualifying homeowners to apply to their designated local authority to have a new remediation option grant amount determined. It also doubles the time applicants have to complete works from 65 week to 130 weeks.
Funding is in place and a Departmental Circular issued from my Department on 27 February 2026 to the designated local authorities. This contained the documents providing detailed information on the process including a Ministerial Guidance Note and Your Questions Answered material along with a copy of the Commencement Order, 2025 Act and 2026 Regulations. This will allow the relevant local authorities to process applications for retrospective payments in a timely manner.
