DCB rates 'must keep pace with real building costs' - Beard
Donegal County Councillor Joy Beard has once again called for building rates for those impacted by defective concrete to be reviewed to 'keep pace with real building costs.'
Cllr Beard outlined how 'builders are now saying that rising fuel, labour, haulage and material costs are making previously priced jobs unviable and, in some cases, projects are being put on hold.'
The 100% Redress Party Councillor continued: "Yet families affected by defective concrete blocks are still expected to rebuild using rates that were set in 2024.
"The SCSI has already reported that rebuilding costs in the North West increased by 9% in the year to November 2025.
"So how can we continue to expect DCB homeowners to rebuild at rates that no longer reflect the real cost of construction?
"These families have already waited far too long.
"They should not now be expected to find substantial additional money themselves because construction costs have moved on while the grant rates have stood still.
"The rates need reviewed now, increased where necessary, and there must be a proper system of regular indexation so homeowners are not continually rebuilding at outdated prices.
Cllr Beard said the Enhanced Defective Concrete Blocks Grant Scheme is 'going to run for many years'.
"We cannot keep waiting until the gap between the grant and the real cost of rebuilding becomes enormous before acting.
"If building costs rise, the DCB rates must rise with them.