Information in relation to Defective Concrete Blocks rates

The Government has decided to increase the grant rates and the maximum grant rate (the Scheme cap) available under the Defective Concrete Blocks (DCB) Scheme and made an Order to increase the overall scheme cap on 22 October 2024 (S.I. 577 of 2024 ).
The changes mean the Scheme Cap will rise by 10% to €462,000 from the current €420,000. A similar 10% increase now applies to all ancillary grants with for example the accommodation grant increasing by €1,500 to €16,500. Grant rates payable per square metre will rise by approximately 7-9% depending on the remediation option and dwelling location.
The decision was taken following advice from an Expert Group, so as to ensure that homeowners can better meet the costs of their remediation works given the increase in construction costs since the rates were originally set.

Scheme Cap and Ancillary Grants

The 10% increases, under the terms of the DCB Act 2022 applies immediately to eligible relevant owners that are yet to receive a determination in respect of remediation option and grant amount. Extending these increases to wider group of relevant owners requires amending legislation.

The increase in the grant rates payable under the Scheme has also been amended by the Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the use of Defective Concrete Blocks (Amendment) Regulations 2025 on 7 November, 2024 (S.I. No. 621 of 2024)
The Minister intends to bring a proposal to Government in the near future to ensure that the increases in both the Cap and rates can apply retrospectively. This will be a once-off transitional measure which the Minister believes is an equitable approach that is in keeping with the intention of the Oireachtas when the Act was passed by the Oireachtas in 2022.
The relevant designated Local Authorities (Clare, Donegal, Limerick, Mayo and Sligo), who administer the DCB Scheme should be contacted in the first instance for more detailed information on the Scheme and how these changes will operate. Attached: Appendix Increase in Grant Rates for North and Mid-West Regions.