Help & Advice

The enhanced Defective Concrete Blocks (DCB) scheme is open to homeowners whose homes show damage caused by defective concrete blocks. If you think your home may be affected, the first step is a Building Condition Assessment carried out by a competent professional.

Eligibility depends on confirmed damage and the property meeting the scheme's conditions. Our guides explain what evidence you need and how to begin, in plain language, without the jargon.

If you are unsure whether you qualify, talk to us. We can point you to the right starting point, and to others who have already been through the process.

Defective concrete blocks can contain reactive minerals such as pyrrhotite. Over time, exposure to moisture can cause the blocks to expand, crack, crumble and lose their strength.

The relevant Irish standard is IS 465, which sets out how affected properties are assessed. Understanding the science helps you make sense of your assessment and the works that follow.

This page collects reliable references so you can read the evidence for yourself and feel confident in the process.

Campaigners have raised concerns that the current scheme does not always cover the full cost of putting a home right. Items such as foundation removal and replacement, garages, and certain professional fees can fall outside a grant calculation.

Knowing what may not be covered early helps you plan and avoid surprises later. This page lists the areas families ask about most.

The 100% Redress Party's position is straightforward: redress should mean the full, fair cost of making a home whole.

Grant values are calculated against set rates, which may not reflect the real cost of a rebuild in your area. Where there is a shortfall, families sometimes need to arrange finance to bridge the gap.

This page explains how grant caps work, the costs that commonly sit outside them, and the questions to ask before works begin.

We do not offer financial advice, but we can help you understand the scheme and find independent support.

A full rebuild is more than rebuilding walls. Foundations may need to be removed and replaced, and there are costs for demolition, storage, and reinstating the finishes and improvements you had before.

The party continues to press for these real costs to be recognised, so that no family is left out of pocket for damage they did not cause.

If your home has to be vacated while works are carried out, you may face the cost of temporary accommodation. Delays can extend this period and add to the strain on a family.

This page sets out what to consider, and where to ask for help while your home is being made safe.

The crisis affects renters and social housing tenants as well as owner occupiers. This page covers the questions tenants ask most, and where to turn for support.

If you rent a home you believe is affected, you still have options. We can help you understand them.

Some homeowners have taken part in group legal action in relation to defective concrete. Coleman Legal is one firm that has represented affected families.

This page explains, in general terms, what a group action is. It is not legal advice. Always seek your own independent advice before making any decision.

The defective concrete crisis has been raised at European level, including through petitions and oversight. This page explains the wider context, and why it matters for families in Donegal.

Pressure at every level, local, national and European, keeps the case for full redress in view.

Living through this is hard, and the worry can feel constant. You are not alone, and it is okay to ask for help.

Free, confidential support is available. In an emergency always contact the emergency services. Pieta offers a freephone service on 1800 247 247, and you can text HELP to 50808 to reach a trained volunteer at any time.

Reaching out is a sign of strength, not weakness. We are here to listen.

Applying can feel daunting, so we break it into four phases: preparing your application, preparing for the build, rebuilding your home, and the final steps.

Each phase has its own documents and decisions. Our step by step guide walks you through what to expect at each stage, so nothing catches you out.

If you disagree with a decision on your application, there are routes to seek a review. This page explains, in general terms, how reviews and appeals work, and where to get help.

You do not have to navigate this alone. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.