The Enhanced Defective Concrete Blocks Grant Scheme provides financial support to homeowners whose home has been damaged by the use of defective concrete blocks during its construction.
The scheme is open to affected homeowners in counties Clare, Donegal, Limerick, Mayo and Sligo. Applications are made through the local authority in each area.
The Housing Agency acts as agents to the local authorities and has two main functions in relation to the scheme:
- To determine whether or not a home meets the damage threshold for entry into the scheme
- To determine the appropriate remediation option and grant amount.
The Housing Agency’s role makes it easier for homeowners to access the scheme by taking on the financial cost of assessing and testing homes.
Information on how to apply can be found at:
Documents providing detailed information on the scheme are available at the links provided. Homeowners are strongly advised to read these in advance of contacting their local authority.
- Your Questions Answered
- Ministerial Guidelines Document
- Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks Act 2022
- Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks Regulations 2023
Or learn more at www.gov.ie/Defectiveconcreteblocks
There have been recent changes to the scheme that affect The Housing Agency’s role and functions.
- On October 22, 2024, The Government increased the grant rates and the maximum grant rate (the Scheme cap) available under the Defective Concrete Blocks (DCB) Scheme. Read more here - gov.ie - Information in relation to Defective Concrete Blocks rates
- The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien TD, recently established an Appeals Panel to assess appeals made under the enhanced scheme. Read the press release here - gov.ie - Independent Panel to assess appeals under the Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the use of Defective Concrete Blocks Scheme
- On November 6, 2024, The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage announced changes to the way the enhanced Defective Concrete Block Scheme works for certain homeowners. From November 6, 2024, all homeowners who have been given a non-demolition remediation option (option 2 to 5) will be offered a choice of (a) continuing with the remediation work on their dwelling under the option determined or (b) the option of a full technical review of their application by the Housing Agency. The Housing Agency review will be informed by the current research once the full review of the Irish Standard 465:2018 is complete. Read the press release here - gov.ie - Department announce changes to the Defective Concrete Block Scheme following preliminary research findings.
To contact The Housing Agency in relation to the scheme: