Exclusions

Defective Concrete Science in Ireland: Timeline & Evidence

This timeline provides a detailed overview of defective concrete in Ireland, combining scientific research, government action, and homeowner experiences. All references are included for verification.

Overview

Residential, Commercial, and Community Buildings

The Remediation of Dwellings (Defective Concrete Blocks) Act 2022 provides support for repairing houses damaged by defective concrete blocks. Its legal definition of “dwelling” prioritises primary residential homes, covering both private homeowners and social housing. Apartments, duplexes, and other multi-unit dwellings are not fully included under the current statutory scheme. Earlier schemes or interim measures sometimes covered apartments administratively, which is why apartments were previously described as “partially included.” (Irish Statute Book)

Official guidance confirms that funding under the Act focuses on occupied homes rather than secondary properties, community facilities, or commercial buildings. (Department of Housing Circular)

Statutory Exclusions

Sections 3–8 of the Act clarify property types that are excluded. Commercial buildings, holiday homes, community facilities, and some multi-occupancy or apartment buildings do not qualify for remediation. Owners of excluded properties must fund repairs themselves or seek alternative remedies. (Irish Statute Book – Section 8)

Charles Ward TD Advocacy

Charles Ward TD has raised the exclusion of apartments and multi-unit dwellings in the Oireachtas through questions, motions, amendments, and debates:

• Parliamentary Question 4 Nov 2025 (PQ 998): Ward asked the Minister to clarify the eligibility of apartments, duplexes, and other multi-unit dwellings, noting that prior schemes included these properties but the enhanced statutory scheme currently restricts the definition to houses. (Oireachtas PQ Paper)
• Written Answer 20 May 2025: Minister confirmed that separate legislation for an Apartment and Duplex Defects Remediation Scheme is being drafted to cover these excluded properties. (Oireachtas Written Answers)
• Committee debates and motions: Ward pressed for inclusion of apartments in statutory schemes, highlighting tenant safety and the urgent need for coverage. (Oireachtas Debates 2 Dec 2025, 9 Dec 2025)
  

100% Redress Party Councillors Advocacy

At local authority level, 100% Redress Party councillors have consistently campaigned for the inclusion of apartments, multi-unit dwellings, and other excluded properties:

• Tomás Seán Devine, Joy Beard, Ali Farren, and Denis McGee submitted motions and questions in Donegal County Council highlighting gaps in the Remediation of Dwellings scheme. (Donegal County Council Committee Papers)
• Councillors raised the impact of exclusions on tenants and owners, demanding transparent timelines, funding commitments, and broader coverage.
• They staged walkouts at council meetings to protest inaction and pushed for statutory amendments or policy changes to include apartments and multi-unit dwellings.

Local Authority Perspective

Donegal County Council has documented apartments, multi-unit dwellings, and community facilities affected by defective blocks but cannot access State remediation funding for these. Councils continue to call for legislative or policy changes to address gaps for excluded properties. (Donegal County Council Committee Papers)

Timeline of Advocacy and Legislative Developments

• 2022: Remediation of Dwellings Act passed, focusing on primary residential homes.
• 2023: Scheme commencement; official guidance confirms exclusions.
• 2024–2025: Charles Ward TD raises Oireachtas questions and motions on apartment inclusion; 100% Redress Party councillors raise council-level motions and advocate for expansion.
• 2025: Defective Concrete Blocks (Amendment) Bill debated; Ward presses for broader inclusion; Minister acknowledges gaps.
• 2025–2026: Council motions and advocacy campaigns continue, urging Government to extend statutory redress. (Oireachtas Debates)

Interim Scheme

The Government has also launched interim remediation schemes for fire safety and other defects in apartments and duplexes, outside the statutory defective concrete blocks framework, acknowledging the need for support while separate legislation is drafted. (Government Press Release)

Summary and Advocacy Takeaways

Exclusions in the Remediation of Dwellings Act leave apartments, commercial properties, holiday homes, and community buildings outside State support. Charles Ward TD and 100% Redress Party councillors have consistently advocated for inclusion of apartments and multi-unit dwellings through parliamentary questions, motions, amendments, and council-level advocacy. Councils and campaign groups continue to push for policy or legislative changes to ensure broader coverage.