Department and agencies ’working closely’ to update defective concrete homeowners on review - Donegal Daily

The Department of Housing has said it is ’working closely’ with the Housing Agency and local authorities to ensure that homeowners at different stages’ of the E...

The Department of Housing has said it is 'working closely' with the Housing Agency and local authorities to ensure that homeowners at different stages' of the Enhanced Defective Concrete Block Scheme know what recent 'changes mean for them'.

On June 2, the National Standards Authority Ireland published a revised standard, I.S. 465:2026 - the official standard to assess, test and categorise homes affected by defective concrete.

As per Section 51 of the the Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks Act 2022, a review of the operation of the Act has now been commenced.

This is being carried out by the Department 'with the assistance of external expertise.'

The 2022 Act mandates that the Minister shall make a report to each House of the Oireachtas of the findings and conclusions resulting from that review no later than three months after its completion.

A spokesperson for the Department of Housing told Donegal Daily that 'all matters relating to the introduction of I.S. 465:2026 and its interaction with the grant scheme will be considered as part of the review of the 2022 Act. '

They added: "It is not possible to provide a timeframe for its completion at this point in time.

"While this review is underway, the Government has decided that the DCB Scheme will remain open in so far as possible and existing works to homes already in train can continue.

"The Department is working closely with the Housing Agency and local authorities to ensure that homeowners at different stages of the scheme know what these changes mean for them.

"The Housing Agency recently issued a statement on their website regarding an update for homeowners.

The spokesperson said: "The information contained in this document clearly explains how homeowners at different stages of the scheme may progress at this time."

Councillor Martin McDermott said the decision that the DCB Scheme will remain open and existing works to homes can continue during the review is a positive one.

The former chairperson of Donegal County Council's Defective Concrete Committee said it allows homeowners to make their own decision on how they want to proceed.

The Fianna Fail Councillor highlighted how there had initially been a 'question mark' over whether the scheme would be paused while the review is ongoing.

"I and many others had been engaging with the department quite heavily on this and to be fair, they and the Minister decided to give people the option."

The Fianna Fail councillor said that government has speculated the review and further legislation could take around six months to complete.

However, he believes it could take longer than that - up to a year.

Colr McDermott said this was another reason why it was so important for homeowners to be given an option.

"People now have the option - do they proceed with what they're doing, or if they want to change something like the foundations, which aren't in the current scheme, do they put a hold on things and wait?

Michael Langan helps students find ‘safe space’ through Man United Foundation role

"But again, there is no guarantee these will be included after the review - although I believe they have to be.

"I think it's important that everyone has that decision for themselves.

"Pausing doesn't suit everyone and people that can move forward must be allowed to do so if they wish."

The Housing Authority outlines the options to homeowners as follows:

"If you have received a grant determination, you may continue with your approved works under the existing arrangements.

"You do not need to stop or delay construction work while the review of the Scheme is taking place.

"If you are unsure how the review may affect your circumstances, contact your local authority."

Homeowners who have applied but have not yet received a determination or grant amount:

"If you have applied to the Scheme but have not yet received a determination or grant amount, you have two options:

"Proceed with an assessment under the revised standard (excluding certain aspects of the revised standard which are under review, such as the area of foundations which is not provided for in the current Scheme or Act)

"Wait for the outcome of the review of the Scheme and the Act before proceeding.

"The Housing Agency will contact relevant applicants directly with further information.<

"If you have not yet applied to the Scheme, you may submit an application through your relevant designated local authority.

"Proceed under the revised standard (excluding certain aspects of the revised standard which are under review, such as the area of foundations which is not provided for in the current Scheme or Act)

"Wait for the outcome of the review of the Scheme and the Act before proceeding."

Homeowners who requested a technical review and opted to not receive a determination under the previous standard (From 6 November 2024 onwards)

"If you asked for a Technical Review from November 2024 onwards and chose to not receive a determination under the previous standard (I.S.465:2018) you may now:

"Proceed under the revised standard (excluding certain aspects of the revised standard which are under review, such as the area of foundations which is not provided for in the current Scheme or Act);

or "Wait for the outcome of the review of the Scheme and the Act before proceeding. "The Housing Agency will contact relevant homeowners directly regarding the options available to them."