Donna McGettigan (Clare, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

833. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if he will implement an exemption scheme for planning permission and other fees for homeowners rebuilding their homes due to defective blocks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10995/25]

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks Act 2022 (the Act) commenced on 22 June 2023 which contains the current grant scheme and the related Regulations were adopted on 29 June 2023.

The grant scheme covers the costs of the remediation works approved subject to the grant rates and overall grant cap of €462,000. The grant and the grant rates as set include:-

· Professional fees

· Building Condition Assessment Report

· The approved remediation works

· Alternative accommodation costs

· Removal and Storage costs

· Essential Immediate Repair Works

· Cost of disconnection and reconnection of services and utilities

· Value Added Tax

The Act makes provision for exempt development status to apply to remediation works approved under the Defective Concrete Blocks grant scheme subject to the provisions of section 4(4) of the Planning and Development Act, 2000. Remediation works are only exempt where on completion of remediation works the dwelling is not inconsistent with or materially different from the appearance and character of the original dwelling. Where a grant scheme participant does not build back on a 'like for like' basis planning permission will be required.

There are currently no plans to provide an exemption for planning application fees under the scheme.