Defective Concrete Blocks Amendment Bill: A welcome step, but more still needed

Donegal Deputy Charles Ward has welcomed the announcement by the Minister for Housing of the forthcoming Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the use of Defective Concrete Blocks (Amendment) Bill.

The 100% Redress Party TD says the long-awaited legislation introduces a number of technical amendments aimed at making the redress scheme more responsive to the needs of impacted homeowners.

The proposed changes include: an increased scheme cap and updated grant rates to all applicants who have incurred costs since March 29, 2024; and a doubling of the timeframe for completing remediation works from 65 weeks to 130 weeks

The legislation will also bring the introduction of limited flexibility to allow for the construction of a new dwelling adjacent to a defective home in exceptional cases involving vulnerable families.

Deputy Ward says the adjustments reflect “some recognition of the real-life challenges faced by impacted homeowners and communities”.

However, he continues to urge the government to acknowledge the “many other failings of the scheme” and to ensure that the final outcome of the I.S. 465:202X review leads to a “fully science-led and fair scheme”.

“This announcement marks a welcome shift towards a more realistic approach,” said Deputy Ward.

“The increased cap, extended timeframes, and new provisions for vulnerable families are long overdue and will make a real difference for many.”

“However, the crisis is far from over. The amended legislation, as proposed, still does not go far enough in scope or speed. We urge the government to continue listening to impacted homeowners and to ensure that no one is left behind,” Deputy Ward added.

The Redress TD, who secured almost 7,000 first preference votes in the 2024 general election, has pledged to “continue to fight” for those who completed remediation works before March 2024, and who have also been severely impacted by inflation since.

“These homeowners acted in good faith, often under intense personal and financial pressure. As has been stated many times, including by former Minister for Housing Dara O’Brien, these early movers must not be penalised.”

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Deputy Ward continued: “I will be seeking clarification and engagement from Housing Minister Browne on this matter, particularly in light of the fact that the number of completions before that date is minimal, even from a financial perspective.”

He added: “Finally, I want to take this opportunity to thank Minister Browne for his engagement and for following through on the discussions we held in recent weeks. This collaborative approach must now continue as we seek to strengthen and finalise this legislation.”