Defective Concrete Block (DCB)
Defective Concrete Block (DCB) Support
In August 2023 Mayo North East Partnership received funding from the Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage, through Mayo County Council to appoint a Defective Concrete Block facilitator to assist homeowners as they navigate their way through the DCB redress scheme.
The Enhanced Defective Concrete Blocks Grant Scheme provides financial support to homeowners whose home has been damaged by the use of defective concrete blocks during its construction. There are five remedial options available under the Grant Scheme. The maximum grant approved for each remedial option was determined by the grant rates approved by the Minister subject to the overall grant cap of €462,000.
Mayo Defective Concrete Blocks Community Facilitator:
The Defective Concrete Blocks (DCB) Community Facilitator, is available to guide homeowners, in particular disadvantaged and/or vulnerable individuals and families through the application process for the DCB grant scheme and facilitate access to the relevant support services. The Facilitator will be linking in with local agencies, community groups, support services and key organisations with the service.
Outreach Clinics:
The Facilitator hosts weekly clinics by appointment offering practical support in the various steps of the process from scanning and uploading documents and signposting information to homeowners about other supports available.
Clinics are by appointment in Ballina, Ballycastle, Belmullet, Crossmolina, Castlebar, Foxford, Killala and Westport to meet with the public and provide one to one support. This is a Free and Confidential service.
MNE DCB Facilitator created an Application Process Guide, this is a step by step guide on the process involved in applying for the Enhanced Scheme. This is downloadable here: Process of Application for Defective Concrete Blocks
Applications under this scheme are to be made online via Mayo County Council:
https://consult.mayo.ie/en/user/login?current=homepage
Documents providing detailed information on the process of the scheme are available Mayo County Council via this link:
https://www.mayo.ie/housing/defective-concrete-blocks-grant-scheme
For all enquiries or to book an appointment please contact:
Caroline Wilson, Mayo North East Partnership
Phone: 087 482 8261 / Email: carolinewilson@mayonortheast.com
Web: https://mayonortheast.com/defective-blocks
Information Links:
https://www.gov.ie/en/service/8002e-enhanced-defective-concrete-blocks-grant-scheme/
https://www.mayo.ie/housing/defective-concrete-blocks-grant-scheme
https://www.seai.ie/grants/home-energy-grants/defective-concrete-blocks
https://mymind.org/free-counselling-for-those-affected-by-defective-concrete-blocks/
Recent changes to the DCB Scheme:
- On October 22, 2024, The Government increased the grant rates and the maximum grant rate (the Scheme cap) available under the Defective Concrete Blocks (DCB) Scheme. Read more here – ie – Information in relation to Defective Concrete Blocks rates- Opens in new window
- The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien TD, recently established an Appeals Panel to assess appeals made under the enhanced scheme. Read the press release here – ie – Independent Panel to assess appeals under the Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the use of Defective Concrete Blocks Scheme- Opens in new window
- On November 6, 2024, The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage announced changes to the way the enhanced Defective Concrete Block Scheme works for certain homeowners. From November 6, 2024, all homeowners who have been given a non-demolition remediation option (option 2 to 5) will be offered a choice of (a) continuing with the remediation work on their dwelling under the option determined or (b) the option of a full technical review of their application by the Housing Agency. The Housing Agency review will be informed by the current research once the full review of the Irish Standard 465:2018 is complete. Read the press release here – ie – Department announce changes to the Defective Concrete Block Scheme following preliminary research findings.- Opens in new window
