A Donegal councillor has called for financial incentives for Ukrainian refugee accommodation providers to be extended to landlords renting to families affected by the Defective Concrete Blocks (DCB) crisis.
Cllr Denis McGee of the 100% Redress party says that private landlords who are offered tax-free payments for Ukrainian tenants should also be rewarded for renting to families needing temporary accommodation while on the DCB remediation scheme.
“It is imperative that we put similar incentives in place in order to assist those who have already experienced the trauma of living in a defective block home, to get accommodation when it is required,” said Cllr McGee in a motion to the council yesterday.
His party colleague, Cllr Ali Farren, seconded the motion and said: “When needs must, our government brings in schemes like what was brought in for Ukrainians.
“It would be beneficial if we would bring in a scheme that a landlord could rent their property for a tax-free fee.
“I think it’s a positive step if they would consider it,” Cllr Farren said.
The motion was passed, paving the way for Donegal County Council to write to the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage on the matter.
The Accommodation Recognition Payment is a tax-free monthly payment of €800 for landlords housing people fleeing the conflict in Ukraine. The scheme is due to end on 31 March 2025; however, it may be extended by Order of the Minister for Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth in accordance with the governing legislation.
