Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 January 2024
744. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will amend the enhanced defective concrete block grant scheme to allow for the testing of concrete foundations, following the findings of scientific studies undertaken on behalf of the National Standards Authority of Ireland. [56556/23]
View answer817. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when his Department will provide clarification to local authorities on how to proceed with applications under the enhanced defective concrete block grant scheme from homeowners who requested a change of circumstance, considering the ongoing review of IS 465 by the NSAI and the uncertainty and lack of confidence with IS 465. [1349/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 744 and 817 together.
Under section 13 of the Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the use of Defective Concrete Blocks Act 2022 ('The Act') where at any time after making an application, an applicant becomes aware of any change in circumstances that affects his or her application, he or she is obliged to immediately notify the designated local authority of that change. The designated local authority may, where it considers it appropriate to do so, notify the Housing Agency of the change.
Arising from the Government Decision of 30 November 2021 in respect of the enhanced Defective Concrete Blocks (DCB) grant scheme, the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) was tasked with delivering a programme of work to address a number of technical items. An interagency DCB Technical Matters Steering Group has been established to inform and guide the NSAI review of a number of relevant standards including I.S. 465:2018, and the impact, if any on foundations and the effect, if any, of full cavity fill insulation on homes susceptible to defective blockwork.
Research proposals developed by the relevant NSAI Technical Committees, including research to investigate pyrrhotite oxidation in concrete blocks and the potential impact of deleterious materials on foundations, have been commissioned and are making good progress.
I am advised that preliminary findings from primary research to investigate pyrrhotite oxidation in concrete blocks and the potential impact of deleterious materials on foundations, has been received by the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) and the relevant Technical Committee, and that they are currently analysing this data in advance of the completion of the research project later this year. This project is part of a substantial program of research and analysis that is underway at present as part of the NSAI review of standards.
Following the publication of any revised standard published by the NSAI, the enhanced DCB scheme will be reviewed at that point, in the event that such amendments are required.
