The Department of Housing has promised that an updated cost report for Clare home owners affected by pyrite will be prepared for Minister Darragh O’Brien.
The Clare Pyrite Action Group chairperson, Martina Cleary has stated local homeowners who are availing of the Enhanced Defective Concrete Block (DCB) Scheme are still experiencing difficulties accessing SEAI grants to improve the energy performance of their homes.
Even though her house will have to be completely demolished, Ms Cleary confirmed she has only been approved for a 60% grant of the cost of rebuilding and is 40% short of what she actually needs.
When the rebuilding rates for affected home owners were set by the government in July 2023, Ms Cleary recalled these rates were supposed to be revised to take account of construction inflation a year later, which didn’t happen.
For Clare pryrite home owners who were approved for inclusion in the Defective Block Scheme last June almost a year after the rebuilding rates were set, she said initially she was told the approved figure would be increased when rebuilding rates are revised and shortly afterwards was informed this is not the case following the receipt of additional information.
With respect to the DCB Grant Scheme rates, following a request from the Department, the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland (SCSI) provided updated cost reports for the North West and Midwest Regions.
Minister O’Brien’s Expert Group, who were originally established to advise on a number of technical issues prior to the introduction of the scheme, have reconvened to examine the updated cost reports and advise accordingly.
Once this advice is received from the Expert Group, Minister O’Brien will consider what changes, if any, will be made to the scheme grant rates.
The spokesman noted the SCSI cost reports include the costs for demolition and reconstruction costs, concrete path around the house, disconnection and reconnection of utilities, making good to driveway and garden, professional fees, VAT at 13.5% on building costs and 23% on professional fees.
A Department has no oversight of SEAI or their schemes, that is a matter for the Department of Environment, Climate and Commuications DECC/SEAI.
East Clare correspondent, Dan Danaher is a journalism graduate of Rathmines and UL. He has won numerous awards for special investigations on health, justice, environment, and reports on news, agriculture, disability, mental health and community.