Dáil to debate social housing defective-block scheme

A planned scheme to remediate social homes damaged by defective concrete blocks is set to be debated in the Dáil this evening.

RTÉ News understands the social homes scheme is based on the scheme for private homes, with changes to reflect the difference with social housing.

Councils and approved housing bodies [AHBs] are set to be responsible for assessing properties, appointing appropriate engineers and contractors, and rehousing tenants, if needed.

In the private scheme, the housing agency carries out the technical work, the homeowner appoints a contractor and sources accommodation, if needed.

The current legislation covers nine areas including Donegal, Mayo, Clare, Limerick, Sligo, Carlow and parts of Wexford, Fingal and Meath.

The private housing scheme covers 100% of eligible expenditure, up to €462,000 for private dwellings and a limited number of rented dwellings.

The Department of Housing consulted local authorities, the AHB sector and the Irish Council for Social Housing ahead of the introduction of the scheme.

It is understood that discussions were most frequent with Donegal County Council, reflecting the scale of the crisis in the northwest of the country.

Meanwhile, a separate Department-led review of the Defective Concrete Block Act is also under way. The review includes external expertise.

A Department of Housing briefing note shared with members of the Oireachtas Housing Committee, seen by RTÉ News, said that the review’s findings may require changes to both the private and social homes scheme.

A separate briefing note, from councils to elected members on the Government’s proposal, includes a range of concerns about the plans.

Council concerns include possible funding shortfalls and capacity at approved landfill facilities given the anticipated volumes of defective concrete blocks that will require disposal.

Planned scheme 'is itself defective', says Sinn Féin TD

The social homes scheme has drawn criticism with Sinn Féin spokesperson on housing, Eoin Ó Broin, stating that the scheme is "itself defective".

Deputy Ó Broin said: "A short memo has been circulated to members of the Oireachtas Housing Committee," with "no opportunity" for committee scrutiny.

"I am very concerned that in the absence of addressing the very significant shortfalls with the Government’s proposal, councils and AHBs will not be able to proceed with remediation or rebuilding of defective homes.

"The consequence will be hard-working rent-paying council and AHB tenants will be left living in homes that are not fit for purpose," he said.

Mr Ó Broin said the Government "must afford" the Oireachtas Housing Committee the opportunity to scrutinise their proposals and engage with local authorities and AHBs to ensure that "the scheme is fit for purpose".

"Councils and AHBs have expressed serious concerns that they may be left with significant shortfalls in funding the remediation or rebuilding of impacted properties.

"There are also a series of concerns with operational aspects of the scheme. Like the grant scheme for private homes, the Government’s social housing defective concrete block scheme is itself defective," Mr Ó Broin said.

'A welcome step' amid 'significant concerns' - Redress party

The 100% Redress party described the proposed scheme as "a welcome step," but noted, "significant concerns" remain regarding governance, tenant rights, independent review mechanisms, staffing capacity and delivery timelines.

The party said many challenges emerging under the homeowner scheme appear "likely to be replicated unless additional safeguards are introduced".

They fear that the draft scheme provides "substantially fewer procedural protections for tenants" than those available to homeowners.

They added a robust framework that incorporates independent technical review, tenant representation, dedicated staffing and delivery timelines will be essential to maintain public confidence and consistent decisions across all councils.