The Defective Concrete Blocks Grant Scheme provides financial support to homeowners whose properties have been damaged due to the use of concrete blocks that contain excessive amounts of mica or pyrite. The scheme, which is the responsibility of my colleague the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, enables homeowners to remediate their home on a like for like basis. Additional State support may however be available to impacted homeowners for energy upgrades to the home from the SEAI through retrofitting grants. In February, 2022, these SEAI grants were increased with very attractive fixed grants, subject to overall caps, now available to eligible homeowners. Participants in the DCB scheme can apply for grant funding in line with the relevant eligibility criteria for the existing SEAI grant schemes. The integration of the DCB and SEAI schemes can in certain instances, be complex. For that reason, my Department, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the Housing Agency and the SEAI are working to develop streamlined processes underpinned by appropriate governance arrangements. It should be noted that such issues to not arise in relation to the Better Energy Homes Scheme which offers generous grants for a range of measures. Full details are available from the SEAI on 1850 250 204 or their website at: www.seai.ie/grants/
