Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 June 2023
745. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the new defective scheme will accept applications from beneficial owners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27913/23]
View answer746. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if an application from a beneficial owner (details supplied) in County Donegal will meet the criteria for the new defective block scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27914/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 745 and 746 together.
Designated local authorities are responsible for the administration of the Enhanced Grant Scheme, engaging directly with the relevant owner to ensure completed applications are valid in accordance with Section 13 of the Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks Act 2022 ("the Act").
A homeowner must also be a ‘relevant owner’ of a ‘relevant dwelling’ in the designated local authority.
Under section 9 of the Act a relevant owner must:
• have acquired ownership of the dwelling prior to 31 January 2020 (or inherited the dwelling on or after 31 January 2020);
• use the dwelling as their principle private residence or be the landlord where there was a registered tenancy on or before 1 November 2021 – except where the resident had to leave the dwelling due to damage caused by defective concrete blocks
The designated local authority determines whether the relevant dwelling, the subject of the application, is owned by the applicant and will require such evidence as deemed necessary in making such a determination, which may include the following:
• a copy of the title deed for the relevant dwelling
• a registration of title
• other legal documents proving proof of ownership.
Question No. 746 answered with Question No. 745.
