Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 2 June 2021
114. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the reason persons cannot receive 100% of costs covered under the defective concrete blocks grant scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30005/21]
View answerThe Defective Concrete Blocks Grant scheme is underpinned by regulations made under Sections 2 and 5 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1979, with the consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, to provide for a grant scheme of financial assistance to support affected homeowners in the counties of Donegal and Mayo to carry out the necessary remediation works to dwellings that have been damaged due to the use of defective concrete blocks. The scheme is targeted at assisting a group of homeowners that have no other practicable options to access redress for their home.
The scheme outlines five remedial options ranging from rebuilding on existing foundations to replacing of external walls. The maximum approved costs per dwelling under the scheme are significant and range from €55,000 to €275,000 depending on the remedial option. A grant of 90% of the approved costs associated with the necessary remediation works, subject to a maximum for each remedial option, or 90% of the actual cost of the remedial works, whichever is the lesser, is available under the scheme. This is in line with similar Government grant schemes where an applicant contribution to the costs is a requirement.
The scheme design was informed by the comprehensive work of an Expert Panel and the current maximum grant amounts payable under the various options in the scheme were finalised in close consultation with the Office of the Attorney General and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. This process was also informed by extensive engagement between my Department and both Donegal and Mayo County Councils.
The scheme needs time to work and it is premature to consider making changes at this point. I am keeping progress under the scheme under review and engaging directly with both local authorities and local action groups on the matter.
