Meath families ‘left behind’ in defective concrete blocks crisis
A Meath TD has called for the county to be “immediately” added to the national Defective Concrete Blocks Grant Scheme, saying families in Meath deserve the same “fairness” as those in designated counties.
Sinn Féin TD Darren O’Rourke, speaking during the Second Stage debate on the Remediation of Dwellings Bill 2025, highlighted the “urgent plight” of affected homeowners.
“This crisis has devastated thousands of families. While the focus has rightly been on western counties, we cannot allow any county to be left behind,” he said.
“In Meath East, I am dealing with at least three families whose life savings are invested in homes that are now crumbling around them. They are living in distress and financial hardship.”
The Defective Concrete Blocks Grant Scheme currently supports homeowners whose properties have been damaged due to defective blocks in counties including Donegal, Clare, Limerick, Mayo and Sligo.
Homes affected by the issue typically show cracking, spalling or crumbling blocks. The scheme provides funding for repair works or full demolition and rebuilds.
The maximum grant was increased by 10pc, from €420,000 to €462,000, under measures announced in 2024.
According to Deputy O’Rourke, Meath County Council engaged with the Housing Agency and testing was carried out.
“The Housing Agency has submitted its formal letter of recommendation to the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. The necessary evidence for inclusion has been submitted,” he said.
“The evidence is there. The need is urgent. Yet families in Meath are still waiting for the green light. Every day of delay is unacceptable. They deserve the same fairness, equity and access to support as homeowners in designated counties.”
He added that the scheme is “flawed” and falls “far short” of addressing the needs of all affected homeowners.
“This is about doing right by families failed by systemic construction oversight. I am calling on the Minister to designate County Meath now and ensure affected homeowners can apply for support. No county, and no family, should be left behind.”