Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 January 2024
208. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if applicants to the defective concrete block grant scheme with profound health issues can be assisted to cover remedial costs while awaiting the scheme funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2187/24]
View answerThe Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks Act 2022 provides for grants of up to €420,000 to remediate homes under the Defective Concrete Blocks (DCB) Grant Scheme. This includes ancillary grants for approved applicants in the amount of €25,000 to assist homeowners at remediation stage to meet costs relating to temporary accommodation, storage and essential immediate repairs.
Local authorities are encouraged to be as flexible as possible, within the terms of the scheme, when dealing with vulnerable applicants and my Department has emphasised this point at recent Implementation Group meetings with the relevant local authorities.
Separately, my Department is having ongoing engagement with the Banking and Payments Federation Ireland (BPFI) on specific issues raised by DCB homeowners to see what can be done to address their financial concerns.
My Department received an interim funding proposal from the BPFI. This proposal looks at releasing a percentage of the approved grant to homeowners upfront. This proposal was reviewed at a sub group meeting of the Implementation Steering Group held on 11 January, 2024 which included reps from Engineers Ireland, Insurance Ireland, BPFI, Department of Finance, local authorities and Homeowner Action Group Reps. However, it is a matter which falls in the first instance under the remit of my colleague the Minister for Finance who is currently considering the matter.
