Details of the enhanced Defective Concrete Blocks (DCB) Grant Scheme have been announced today.
The scheme will provide grants of up to €420,000 are available for affected homeowners depending on the works required.
It was announced by Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien.
The scheme will provide financial support to affected homeowners across Donegal and other counties whose dwellings has been damaged by the use of defective concrete blocks in its construction.
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, the Minister added.
In announcing the scheme he said “I am really pleased to be able to launch this much needed scheme today. 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 added that he acknowledged the efforts, patience and diligence of all involved.
“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 concluded “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 6 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”.
Information on the application process for first-time applicants and homeowners who applied under the previous scheme can be found at at the Defective Concrete Blocks page.
