Dáil approves Defective Concrete Blocks Social Homes Scheme

The Dáil voted to carry the motion approving the Defective Concrete Blocks Social Homes Scheme, despite strong criticism from several TDs.

Housing Minister James Browne introduced the motion, outlining that social properties affected by defective concrete will receive the same remediation options as those in the private housing scheme, including identical grant caps and damage thresholds. He said the department had consulted extensively with designated local authorities, Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs), and the Irish Council for Social Housing, whose feedback helped shape the scheme.

Key differences from the private scheme include the removal of the Housing Agency’s role; local authorities or AHBs will arrange building condition reports, engage engineers to meet the IS465 standard, and appoint contractors, recouping remediation costs from the Housing Department. Tenants will be rehoused where necessary, funded through the ancillary grant element.

The Minister estimated 2,400 social homes are affected, with an average remediation cost of €300,000 per dwelling, bringing the total cost to €728 million. He noted that some local authorities have been preparing for the scheme and that the first batch of homes should be underway by 2027.

TDs from Donegal, including Deputies Padraig MacLochlainn, Charles Ward and Pat the Cope Gallagher, criticised the scheme, arguing it leaves many people behind and lacks adequate consultation with local authorities.

Source: Donegal Daily. Photo: Artem Kulinych / Pexels.