The remedial options provided for under the Defective Concrete Blocks Grant scheme constitute a material alteration to an existing building. Any works that are beyond the requirements of the current building regulations for existing dwellings, or any works that are not required for or ancillary to the remediation of damage to the dwelling arising out of, or in connection with, the use of defective concrete blocks in its construction, while not prohibited, do not qualify for grant assistance under the scheme. In this context, energy upgrades beyond the requirements of the current building regulations for existing dwellings, do not qualify for grant assistance under the scheme.
Similarly, in line with Government policy on waste prevention and value for money considerations, the reuse, recovery and recycling of materials, is encouraged where possible. Costs associated with the unnecessary replacement of items such as windows, doors, kitchen units etc, do not qualify for grant assistance under this scheme.
There is no barrier to qualifying applicants engaging with SEAI to avail of any funding they may qualify for under the suite of schemes administered by that authority.
I have no plans to review the terms of the scheme at this time.
