Enhanced defective concrete blocks scheme for Mayo home owners commences

THE Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien, has commenced the enhanced Defective Concrete Blocks (DCB) Grant Scheme.

The scheme will provide financial support to affected homeowners in counties Donegal, Mayo, Limerick and Clare whose dwelling had been damaged by the use of defective concrete blocks in its construction.

Grants of up to €420,000 are available for affected homeowners depending on the works required under the scheme.

The scheme is now open to new applications. Transitional arrangements for the transfer of applicants from the current scheme to the new scheme are in place. Existing applicants to the original scheme will also be able to benefit retrospectively from the enhancements being introduced under the new scheme.

In announcing the scheme, the minister said: “I am really pleased to be able to launch this much needed scheme. I know the difficulties faced by affected households in financial and personal terms has been very significant these past number of years.

“The improved package of measures under this considerably enhanced scheme will mark a new beginning for those who need to remediate their homes.”

The enhanced scheme has been legislated for following extensive consultation with all relevant stakeholders. Minister O’Brien, in acknowledging the efforts, patience and diligence of all involved, stated: “I particularly want to thank the affected homeowners for working with my department and their county councils on the development of the enhanced scheme. I feel through their constructive and helpful engagement we have managed to develop a scheme that can, and will deliver for all concerned.”

He added: “I look forward to continuing this positive working relationship. To this end I have asked my department to establish, without delay, an implementation steering group made up of officials from the relevant local authorities, the department, the Housing Agency and the homeowner’s liaison officer to ensure the successful roll-out of the enhanced scheme.

“I have also asked the implementation steering group to provide me with a first report of the operation of the scheme after six months. I have always said that schemes evolve and this one will be no different. Given the complex nature of the scheme it will be important to keep the operation of the regulations and guidelines under review.

“The implementation steering group will be tasked with working through issues as they arise and to make recommendations to me if further changes to the regulations or guidelines are needed.”