Background

Thousands of homes across Ireland, particularly in Donegal and Mayo, have been affected by defective concrete blocks containing excessive levels of mica or pyrite. These materials cause blocks to crack and crumble over time, requiring remediation that can range from cosmetic repair to full demolition and rebuild.

The Government's Defective Concrete Block Grant Scheme provides funding for remediation works. Separately, SEAI's home energy upgrade grants can help cover energy efficiency improvements that make sense alongside the remediation.

Energy Grants Available

DCB-affected homeowners can apply for the full range of SEAI home energy grants, including insulation, heat pumps, solar PV, windows and doors, and heating controls. If your home is being remediated, coordinating energy upgrades with the remediation works is strongly recommended.

The logic is straightforward: if walls are being replaced or repaired anyway, adding insulation at the same time is far cheaper and less disruptive than doing it as a separate project later.

Recommended Approach

  1. Assess both remediation and energy needs together. Get a BER assessment and a remediation assessment. Identify where energy upgrades overlap with remediation (wall insulation, windows, airtightness).
  2. Apply for both grant schemes. The DCB Grant Scheme covers structural remediation. SEAI grants cover energy upgrades. The two can run in parallel.
  3. Consider a One Stop Shop. Some SEAI-registered One Stop Shops have experience working with DCB-affected homes and can coordinate energy upgrades alongside remediation contractors.
  4. Maximise the opportunity. If external walls are being replaced, insulate them to current standards. If the roof is being accessed, upgrade attic insulation. If windows are being removed for wall works, replace them with A-rated units.

Check your energy grants

See what SEAI grants are available alongside your remediation

Grant Calculator →
Assess energy needs alongside remediation

If your home is being remediated for defective blocks, a BER assessment before works begin helps identify which energy upgrades can be coordinated with the remediation for maximum savings. Book a BER with Homerating.ie →

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. SEAI recognises DCB-affected homes and standard home energy grants apply. There may be additional coordination possible with the Defective Concrete Block Grant Scheme.

Yes, wherever practical. If walls are being replaced or repaired, it's the ideal time to add insulation, upgrade windows, and improve airtightness. Combining works is significantly more cost-effective than doing them separately later.