Minister O’Brien welcomes publication of Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland’s Report on Construction Costs for the Defective Concrete Blocks Grant Scheme

The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage Darragh O’Brien TD has received the Society of Chartered Surveyors (SCSI) report on Construction Costs for the Defective Concrete Blocks Grant Scheme. The report, which will be published by the SCSI at 11:30am this morning, arises from the government decision on November 30th 2021 to establish a 100% redress scheme for affected homeowners.

In November 2021, Minister O’Brien announced significant improvements to the original Defective Concrete Block scheme and committed to consulting with the SCSI on the grant calculation methodology.

Commenting on the report Minister O’Brien stated:

“Having a clear, objective evidence basis for the Defective Concrete Block scheme grant was an integral part of the government’s decision in November 2021. I have said that the enhanced scheme would be based on and informed by the work of the SCSI report. The publication of the report and detailed engagement with the SCSI will now allow all stakeholders the opportunity to review its findings. I welcome the publication of the report and want to thank the SCSI and its members for their work and professionalism in developing this detailed and informative report.

“I have now requested that the Expert Working Group on the implementation of the Defective Concrete Block Scheme chaired by independent engineer Paul Forde to analyse the report and make recommendations to me on how to operationalise its findings.

“In addition I have formally appointed John O’Connor as liaison to the Homeowners Forum to ensure Homeowners views are represented throughout the practical progression of the scheme. John is the Chairperson of the Housing Commission and a member of the Expert Group and this will build on his extensive engagement with homeowners to date on this issue.

“Today is an important step forward in getting an enhanced scheme up and running. Arising from this I intend to bring the final details of the scheme and the required primary legislation to Cabinet in April. I hope that all members of the Oireachtas will facilitate a speedy passage of the Bill to allow the scheme to get started as soon as possible,” he concluded.

ENDS