Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien, has commenced the enhanced Defective Concrete Blocks (DCB) Grant Scheme.

The scheme will provide financial support to affected homeowners in counties Donegal, Mayo, Limerick and Clare whose dwelling had been damaged by the use of defective concrete blocks in its construction.

Grants of up to €420,000 are available for affected homeowners depending on the works required under the scheme.

The scheme is now open to new applications.

Transitional arrangements for the transfer of applicants from the current scheme to the new scheme are in place.

Existing applicants to the original scheme will also be able to benefit retrospectively from the enhancements being introduced under the new scheme.