Commitment to supporting Mayo defective blocks remediation works - Dillon
MINISTER of State Alan Dillon has welcomed the continued progress of the Defective Concrete Block (DCB) Grant Scheme, which has already supported over 3,000 householders nationally and delivered tangible improvements for families in Mayo.
With more than 100 Mayo homes fully remediated and hundreds more advancing through the scheme, the government remains committed to ensuring affected families can rebuild their homes and lives with dignity, he said.
Minister Dillon said: “By autumn 2025, more than 3,000 applications have been received across Clare, Donegal, Limerick, Mayo, and Sligo. Of these, over 1,300 applications were made under the current enhanced scheme, which came into effect in July 2023. The Housing Agency has determined approximately 700 remedial options under the new framework, with an additional 1,200 determinations carried out by local authorities under transitional arrangements.”
Nationally, close to 1,000 applicants have submitted remedial works plans, 950 have commenced works, and more than 220 homes have been fully remediated. The government has already paid out over €120 million to homeowners under the scheme, with funding continuing to flow as works progress.
“Mayo continues to be one of the most significantly impacted counties, where approximately €64 million has been paid out to homeowners since the scheme began in 2020,” added Minister Dillon. “A total of 474 applications have been received, with 434 approved. Of these, 360 were under the previous scheme and 114 under the current enhanced scheme.
To date, 117 Mayo homes have been fully remediated, and hundreds more are progressing through the process.”
The government has increased the maximum grant cap by 10% to €462,000, alongside higher ancillary supports, ensuring families can better meet the costs of rebuilding, he continued.
Minister Dillon acknowledged the ongoing campaign of the Mayo Pyrite Action Group, who have highlighted the need for improvements to the scheme and stronger building standards to prevent future crises, as well as calls for a dedicated DCB committee within Mayo County Council to ensure transparency and accountability.
“I recognise the concerns raised by the Mayo Pyrite Action Group and their tireless advocacy on behalf of affected families,” Minister Dillon said. “Their voices are vital in shaping the future of this scheme and ensuring lessons are learned.
“I will continue to engage with them and Mayo County Council to explore how a stakeholder committee could strengthen oversight and confidence in the process.”
The Department of Housing has confirmed that €175 million has been allocated for 2026 to meet growing demand for remediation works.
Minister Dillon reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring Mayo families are prioritised and supported throughout the process, while also working with campaigners to address legislative and standards-based reforms.
“The Defective Concrete Block Scheme is a lifeline for families across Mayo and the west who have endured enormous stress and hardship,” Minister Dillon concluded. “I welcome the fact that hundreds of Mayo homeowners are now progressing through the scheme. This is about restoring homes, restoring confidence, and restoring dignity.”