Written answers

Wednesday, 22 January 2025

Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government

Defective Building Materials

Photo of Donnchadh Ó LaoghaireDonnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South-Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

753. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the per unit cost provided to local authorities for retrofitting of local authority housing. [46848/24]

Photo of Darragh O'BrienDarragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Under the 2024 EERP programme, my Department funded costs of up to €48,850 plus project management fees, on individual local authority homes. The actual cost of retrofitting works on each home will depend on its pre-works BER. Targets set and funding allocated to local authorities under the programme calls for local authorities to undertake a variety of house types, from those requiring minimal investment to those requiring major investment, in order to achieve the B2/Cost Optimal BER. Local authorities are asked to ensure that the average cost per home drawn down under the programme is circa €36,500, including project management fees. Adhering to this average will ensure that the maximum number of homes can be retrofitted with the available budget.

Works in relation to the 2024 programme are complete and full details in relation to delivery will be available early in 2025.

Photo of Rose Conway-WalshRose Conway-Walsh (Mayo, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

754. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if he will examine the case for reissue of a remediation grant (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46861/24]

Photo of Darragh O'BrienDarragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

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

As set out in my letter of 18 October 2024, the detailed operation of the Scheme is a matter for the designated local authorities in the first instance and their role is set out clearly in the 2022 Act. Local authorities have responsibility for the administration of the Enhanced Defective Concrete Blocks Grant scheme. This includes the initial validation of applications, notifying homeowners of the Housing Agency's determinations on damage threshold, the appropriate remediation option and grant amount, determination of the grant payable for alternative accommodation and storage costs and immediate repair works and the subsequent payment of grants to successful applicants. Any query a homeowner has relating to an application to the scheme should be addressed to their local authority, Mayo County Council in this instance.

My Department has been in contact with the Council who have confirmed they are currently reviewing the request from the applicant and will provide a response in due course.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.