By Chris Ashmore
THE total value of grants processed and paid to date in Donegal under the initial and subsequently the enhanced defective concrete blocks scheme now stands well in excess of €200 million, according to figures released by Donegal County Council.
The bulk of this (€184.9 million) was for remediation works while almost €7.7 million has been paid out for building, professional and engineer report fees.
A further €6.2 million has been issued for professional fees in relation to remedial work plans, and health and safety. The rest of the monies paid (almost €6 million) was in the form of ancillary grants.
A further breakdown of figures reveals that in 2020 a total of just over €170,000 was paid out to 42 applicants.
In 2021, there were 332 applicants who between them received just over €3 million in grant payments.
This rose to €5.6 million (372 applicants) in 2022, €11.2 million in 2023 (470 applicants) and then €47.7 million in 2024 (510 applicants).
Last year the total was edging towards the €120m mark while in the first two months of 2026 just under €20 million was paid out.
In his report to councillors at the recent plenary meeting of Donegal Co. Council Chief Executive John McLaughlin stated that the council “fully recognises the importance of timely processing of valid payment claims under the Defective Concrete Blocks Enhanced Scheme, to ensure cash flow for all parties involved.
“To date, Donegal County Council has processed valid payment claims and issued payments to applicant homeowners to a value of over €204.5m. The Council is committed to issuing reimbursements, under the Enhanced Scheme, to applicant homeowners as soon as practical.”
Meanwhile, the Council is updating an online portal for applicants and there is also extensive information on its website in relation to the increased grants available under the latest legislation.
Significantly, there have been two key amendments, one allowing for an application for an increase in the amount of a grant for remediation of certain dwellings damaged by the use of defective concrete blocks, and the other to amend the time limit for the payment of a grant for remediation.
Latest figures show that the council has received more than 3,650 online registrations for the Defective Concrete Blocks scheme, and more than 2,500 applications have been received.
Grants under the approved mediation option have been issued to just over 1,400 applicants with just under 300 works completed on homes and around 600 ongoing.
Under the enhanced scheme, there have been more than 1,200 applications.