I propose to take Questions Nos. 699, 700, 701, 702, 703 and 705 together.
The Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks Act 2022 (the Act) was commenced on 22 June 2023 which contains the grant scheme and adopted the related Regulations on 29 June 2023.
An Appeals Panel has been established to assess appeals made under the Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the use of Defective Concrete Blocks (DCB) Grant Scheme.
A total of 132 appeals have been submitted to the Appeals Panel in relation to the downgrading of reports by independent chartered engineers. Each of these appeals is a matter for the Chair of the Panel.
A breakdown showing appeals received, in relation to downgraded remediation options, is available in the table below:
|
Designated local authority
|
Appeals Received re: downgraded remediation options
|
|
Donegal
|
114
|
|
Mayo
|
0
|
|
Clare
|
9
|
|
Limerick
|
9
|
|
Sligo
|
0
|
|
Total
|
132
|
To date 8 appeals have been withdrawn by appellants in relation to the downgrading of remediation options.
A breakdown of these, by designated local authority, is available in the table below:
|
Designated local authority
|
Appeals Withdrawn re: downgraded remediation options
|
|
Donegal
|
7
|
|
Mayo
|
0
|
|
Clare
|
1
|
|
Limerick
|
0
|
|
Sligo
|
0
|
|
Total
|
8
|
My Department does not hold data in the monthly format requested.
It is not mandatory for an appellant to supply a reason for the withdrawal of an appeal.
It should be noted that the Appeals Panel is statutorily independent in the performance of their functions of myself as Minister, my Department and of the Housing Agency. My Department provides limited administrative support during the initial stage of the process, in that appeals submitted by homeowners are forwarded to the Panel. Requests submitted by homeowners for the withdrawal of an appeal are also forwarded to the Panel. Matters pertaining to the operation of the Panel, including the timelines for the processing of appeals and determinations, would be a matter for the Chair and the Panel.
However, I understand that the Panel is in the process of assessing appeals and that decisions have been issuing to appellants.
Following changes to the current DCB Grant Scheme announced on 6 November 2024, the Housing Agency offers all applicants with a non-demolition option (options 2-5) appropriate remediation option recommendation the choice of;
a. continuing as per legislation with the non-demolition remediation option recommendation issued to the local authority as a determination;
or;
b. have a full technical review of their application by The Housing Agency against the revised IS 465.
The information requested concerning applicants who, having initiated an appeal in respect of a downgraded remediation option but, subsequently opted to pursue a technical review instead is not held by my Department. Applicants who opt for a technical review may apply to their relevant designated local authority who have responsibility for the administration of the DCB Grant scheme.
Upon review, and should the local authority deem that the application is valid, they will refer it on to the Housing Agency for review.
The Housing Agency act as technical agents on behalf of the local authorities under the DCB Grant Scheme.
Separately, The Housing Agency also notifies the applicant of their statutory right to appeal in the issued correspondence to applicants surrounding a request to avail of a technical review.
