Charles Ward (Donegal, 100% Redress Party)
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582. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government whether his Department is considering special considerations to the enhanced defective concrete block scheme such as 'side-by-side' building, to facilitate the most vulnerable homeowners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2378/25]

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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The Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks Act 2022 (the Act) was commenced on 22 June 2023. The Act provides for the current grant scheme, and related Regulations were adopted on 29 June 2023.

The scheme facilitates the remediation of existing houses that have been damaged by the use of defective concrete blocks. The construction of new separate additional houses is not grant funded.

The Act, as set down by the Oireachtas provides that exempt development status shall automatically apply to remediation works approved under the grant scheme subject to certain provisions set out in Section 28 of the Act. Importantly, remediation works shall only be exempt where on completion of remediation works the dwelling house is not inconsistent with or materially different from the appearance and character of the original dwelling house.

I understand that Minister O’ Brien wrote to the Chief Executive of Donegal County Council on 15 November, 2024 outlining the legislative constraints that prevent a separate home being built while the original one is retained, but committed to reviewing the legislative framework of the scheme to ensure it is fit for purpose and that if possible ensure rare and legitimate circumstances are addressed. I will progress this matter with my Department.

Charles Ward (Donegal, 100% Redress Party)
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583. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if consideration is being given to extending the enhanced defective concrete block scheme to Northern Ireland or exploring a cross-Border approach; if discussions are being held with counterparts in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2383/25]

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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The Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks Act 2022 (the Act) was commenced on 22 June 2023 The Act contains the enhanced grant scheme and related Regulations were adopted on 29 June 2023.

The grant scheme applies to the owners of dwellings located in counties Clare, Donegal, Limerick, Mayo and Sligo, which dwellings are damaged due to the use of defective concrete blocks containing excessive amounts of mica or pyrite or such other deleterious materials or combination of deleterious materials as may be prescribed.

Under section 9(3) of the Act, provided a person uses a relevant dwelling as their principal private residence or was the landlord of an RTB registered property as at 1st of November 2021, then that property is eligible for entry to the scheme provided all other conditions are met.

While there is provision within the Act to extend the scheme to other local authorities there is no provision to extend beyond this to other jurisdictions. My Department has had contact with officials in Northern Ireland confirming this position.