Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 April 2024
723. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to outline the initial grant offered to homeowners impacted by the defective blocks scheme; the reason there will be variances in the amount of grant received; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15504/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI commenced the Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks Act 2022 (the Act) on 22 June 2023 which contains the enhanced grant scheme and adopted the related Regulations on 29 June 2023.
I understand the question relates to the calculation of grant amounts under the enhanced grant scheme, which are determined in accordance with the Act and the Regulations.
In the case of a remediation option which requires the home to be demolished and rebuilt the grant will be calculated by reference to the size of a home. The grant calculation is based on the internal authorised floor area of a home by the square meter rate subject to an overall cap.
In the case of a remediation option which requires the blockwork in the home to be removed and replaced the grant will be calculated by reference to the amount of blockwork being removed and replaced by the square meter rate subject to an overall cap.
The Housing Agency act as agents on behalf of local authorities under the enhanced grant scheme and recommend the appropriate remediation option and grant amount for each home.
