Defective Building Materials

Tuesday, 23 June 2026

Ceisteanna (450)

Charles Ward

Ceist:

450. Deputy Charles Ward asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will confirm whether the issue of homeowners under the enhanced defective concrete blocks grant scheme who have reached the maximum grant cap and are unable to reclaim engineering and professional fees incurred, in some cases up to €6,000 and paid prior to scheme approval, will be considered as part of the upcoming review of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47313/26]

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 as amended by the Act of 2025 underpins the Grant Scheme which provides grant funding to people whose homes have been affected by Defective Concrete Blocks (DCB).

A number of amendments contained in the Act of 2025 came into operation on 25 February 2026 and more recently further provisions commenced on 27 May 2026.

I understand the question is referring to transitional applicants from the previous grant scheme that incurred costs relating to engineering reports.

These applicants can now apply to their designated local authority for recoupment of the cost of their engineer’s report up to the value of the lesser amount, between either the amount of money the applicant spent on the engineer’s report or €7,000 and is not restricted by the max cap of the remediation option grant.