Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 July 2022
638. Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when apartments will be included in the Defective Concrete Blocks Bill 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39941/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing on from the Government decision of the 30 November 2021 in respect of the enhanced defective concrete blocks grant scheme, the Government approved the Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks Bill 2022 on 21 June and the Bill passed through both Houses of the Oireachtas and was subsequently signed into law by the President. I have progressed this legislation to ensure that we can have the scheme ready for homeowners to access by the end of the year.
The purpose of this Act is to implement and give legislative underpinning to a series of measures to improve and enhance the scheme as agreed by Government on 30 November 2021. Full details can be found at www.gov.ie/en/press-release/328d7-minister-obrien-welcomes-progress-on-enhanced-defective-concrete-blocks-grant-scheme/.
The issue of residential units within multi unit developments which are impacted by defective concrete blocks is challenging in the context of the scheme given there is often mixed use involving residential and commercial units, the need to remediate a multi-unit development as one and the complex ownership issues involving common areas and Owner Management Companies (OMC).
The Expert Group on the Enhanced Defective Concrete Blocks Scheme flagged that multi unit developments may also contain latent defects, and prior to proceeding with the remediation of defective concrete blockwork within such developments, any report in respect of the latent defects issue should be taken into account, as a holistic approach and one time solution would appear to be the best approach.
The working group I established to examine fire safety, structural safety and water ingress defects in purpose built apartment buildings, including duplexes, constructed between 1991 and 2013 is close to finalising its report and I expect to receive it shortly. Once I receive the report I will give full consideration to its contents.
Having considered the issues outlined above, multi unit developments have not been included within the defective concrete blocks grant scheme at this time. Complex issues remain to be resolved to facilitate their inclusion, which it is expected will be worked out in consultation between officials from my Department and the Office of the Attorney General.
