THE only Donegal politician elected to Dail Eireann with key promises to tackle the defective block crisis has warned of fresh serious concerns.
Charles Ward TD, who was elected in the 2024 general election, will bring homeowners’ concerns to the Dail next week.
The concerns relate to the newly updated technical standard (I.S. 465:2026) adopted by the National Standards Authority of Ireland to assess homes damaged by defective concrete blocks.
Deputy Ward said: “I’ve been studying the revised standard carefully, reviewing engineering reports, seeking professional advice, and listening to the concerns homeowners continue to raise.
“Some of those concerns are serious — particularly around transparency, consistency, interpretation of the science, and how uncertainty is communicated to homeowners.”
A home with defective concrete blocks.
Deputy Ward added: “These issues must be properly scrutinised because the consequences for homeowners are enormous.
“Next Wednesday, I will bring an important motion before the Dáil.
“I have organised a briefing so that TDs will hear directly from experts during a scientific presentation in Leinster House.”
Deputy Ward also welcomed the introduction of a widening of the scheme to help homeowners with disabilities.
He said: “Side-by-Side will now be allowed for homeowners who accepted Option 1 under the Defective Concrete Scheme, where sufficient space exists on their site, and a disability as defined under Section 2 of the Disability Act 2005.
“The clarification reflects an important widening of understanding in relation to disability under the Act, regarding physical, mental, and intellectual needs.”