SEAI clarifies guidance on pre‑works BERs for defective concrete homes

Councillor Joy Beard has received an update from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) regarding conflicting advice on pre‑works Building Energy Certificates (BERs) for defective concrete block (DCB) homeowners.

Beard, who sits on the 100 % Redress Committee, earlier sought urgent clarification after noting that SEAI’s website and its September FAQ for DCB homeowners stated that pre‑works BERs are not required for SEAI grants, with a post‑works BER required before grant payment can be reviewed.

Following a direct conversation with SEAI, Beard was told the practical situation is more complex. The SEAI later responded, confirming it had removed the previous advice because it was causing stress for homeowners.

In an email to Beard, an SEAI representative explained that the pre‑BER requirement had been on the website but was withdrawn, noting that “it was never intended that a blanket exemption would therefore apply and this has been misrepresented and is incorrect.” The email added that SEAI will accommodate cases where a pre‑BER is not possible, but homeowners who choose not to obtain a pre‑BER will need to provide justification.

Beard criticised the inconsistency, saying the SEAI’s “right hand doesn’t know what the left hand is doing” and urged applicants to speak with the person handling their grant application.

Source: Donegal Daily. Photo: Eddson Lens / Pexels.