Almost 350 applications to defective blocks scheme ‘undecided’

About a quarter of the more than 1,200 applications made to Donegal County Council’s defective concrete block scheme are undecided.

Figures show the local authority has received 1,242 applications from affected homeowners to the scheme up to May 4.

The figures come after local councillors last month highlighted concerns about the number of applications that are paused and amid ongoing frustration from homeowner representatives about delays in the scheme.

The update, which was given to the council’s committee on defective blocks, shows work has been completed on 34 homes with remediation started on another 33.

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Of the applications received, 688 (56%)  have been approved or are pending approval. A further 213 (17%)  are classed as  “with applicant”.

The remaining 26% are classed as undecided. Of these, 200 (16%) are described as “with or expected to go to Housing Agency” and 141 (11%) are with the local authority for assessment. 

Of the 143 applications at grant approval stage, 93 (66%) have been approved or are pending approval.   A further 21(15%) are “with applicant” and 29 (19%) are being assessed by the local authority.

The council says it has paid out more than €13m in grants for the scheme of which €5.7m is for stage 1 fees.

A further €1.5m has been paid out for “essential immediate repairs” and payments of  €395,000 have been made for ancillary grants. More than €6.8m has been paid in stage payments for construction works.