Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 July 2026
462. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the annual cost of the defective concrete blocks grant scheme, the pyrite remediation scheme, and the interim remediation scheme in each of the years 2024, 2025; expected total cost in 2026; the number of properties completed in each year; the number of properties still to be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51263/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Defective Concrete Block (DCB) Grant Scheme, the Pyrite Remediation Scheme and the Interim Remediation Scheme are significant in their remediation of building defects in homes across the country.
The DCB Scheme covers dwellings which are damaged due to the use of defective concrete blocks. Under this Scheme there are five potential remediation options, with a bespoke solution potentially required for each affected home.
The Pyrite Remediation Scheme relates to dwellings that have been significantly damaged as a result of pyritic heave caused by the swelling of hardcore, with one remediation option.
The Interim Remediation Scheme is for the funding of emergency fire safety defect works in apartments and duplexes, constructed between 1991 and 2013.
These Schemes are demand led and applications are accepted based on strict eligibility criteria. There is a pipeline of applications approved for remediation in 2026 and Government funding for this work continues to be provided, as and when required, on an annual basis.
More than €348m has been spent on the DCB Scheme to date. Almost €60 million was recouped under the Scheme in 2024, €155 million in 2025, with a record €175 million allocated to fund the Scheme in 2026.
More than 500 homes have been completed to date under the DCB Scheme, 22 in 2024, 317 in 2025, 134 to date in 2026 and there are currently 750 homes at various stages of remediation work.
Over €210 million has been spent on the Pyrite Remediation Scheme over its circa 13 years in operation to date representing the remediation of circa 2,950 homes. 101 remediations were completed in 2024 at a cost of €9.1 million, 81 remediations were completed in 2025 at a cost of €8.7 million. For 2026 the total budget available is €18 million.
The Interim Fire Safety Remediation Scheme for Apartments and Duplexes is currently progressing four pathfinder projects to inform the workings of the forthcoming broader statutory scheme. The Scheme was introduced in December 2023, and expenditure was minor for 2024 and 2025 as the Scheme process was developed and refined. For 2026, the total budget available is €100 million.
