Defective concrete blocks affected homeowners

The aim of the energy upgrades is to support homeowners to upgrade the energy performance and comfort of their homes to modern standards. This is in addition to the Enhanced Defective Concrete Block (DCB) Scheme that is administered by the Local Authority. Defective Concrete Blocks Grant Scheme 

What is the difference? 

The grants from SEAI support better performing windows, doors and improved insulation, as well as heat pumps, which are not covered under the funding from the DCB scheme which brings homes to equivalent to the 1997 Building Regulations. The SEAI grants support the costs for energy upgrades where these costs have not been supported by the DCB scheme or any other grant scheme. Heat Pumps | Home Energy Upgrades | SEAI 

How is the additional cost of the SEAI granted measures confirmed?

When claiming an SEAI grant, the homeowner and the competent building professional must confirm that the additional costs for the claimed works are in excess of the DCB remediation grant, and that those elements of the works are not funded through any other scheme (including the DCB scheme). 

The DCB remediation works must have been approved by the Local Authority / Housing Agency for the dwelling to be eligible. You will need to provide a copy of the ‘Confirmation of Approval’ letter from your Local Authority. 

All DCB affected homes are eligible for SEAI upgrades subject to the scheme criteria and terms and conditions. 

Homeowners must apply to SEAI and receive an approval (Letter of Offer) before starting any energy upgrade works. 

If energy upgrade works haven’t started the homeowner is eligible to apply through any the standard SEAI grant pathways. One Stop Shop (OSS), Individual Energy Upgrade, Solar PV or Community Energy Grants (CEG). 

If the homeowner is availing of the OSS service a pre-works BER published in the last five years is required. If you are in a situation where a pre-works BER is not possible e.g. where a dwelling is demolished, please contact the SEAI for support at [email protected]   

A pre-works BER is not required for: 

• Individual Energy Upgrades Individual Energy Upgrade Grants | Home Energy Grants | SEAI
• Solar PV Solar Electricity PV Grants | Home Energy Grants | SEAI
• EV home charger Electric Vehicle Home Charger Grant | SEAI 

Yes, given the exceptional circumstances of DCB homes, where an existing energy upgrade, that was previously supported is removed during DCB remediation works (e.g., demolition), the home will be eligible for support for this same measure/upgrade.  

Homeowners should note:  

• Only new products and materials are eligible, e.g if the heat pump or solar panels are reused, they are not eligible. 
• They will not be eligible for energy credits again if the measure was previously supported under ECMS. 

The energy upgrades will be installed at the same time as the wider DCB remediation works and therefore overseen by the same Competent Building Professional (CBP) engaged by the homeowner.  

When the project is finished, the CBP will confirm the works are completed in compliance with the SEAI scheme requirements and the Building Regulations. This is done through a Declaration of Works form, signed by the homeowner and CBP. 

It is important to note that this IS NOT your building contractor that has completed the works.  

A competent building professional is a building surveyor, engineer or architect who is listed on the statutory register for their professional body, has done any required training, and is familiar with all aspects of the Enhanced Grant Scheme. 

Yes, DCB homeowners can apply for the Home Energy Upgrade Loan Scheme providing the works involved meet the criteria of the scheme. 

Key eligibility criteria include: 

• The upgrades must be eligible for an SEAI grant and be projected to achieve a minimum 20% uplift on the current energy performance, of the dwelling based on the BER.
• A pre-works BER is required on the home to be remediated. 

Please use the link below for full eligibility criteria and further details on the scheme: 

Home Energy Upgrade Loan Scheme 

To avail of the OSS service the homeowner needs to use a SEAI registered OSS. 

One Stop Shops manage the entire process from start to finish, including: 

• Energy assessment
• Grant application
• Contractor works
• Quality
• Commissioning & handover
• Access to low-cost financing   Home Energy Upgrade Loan Scheme  

They offer the widest range of grants, which are deducted upfront, and the One Stop Shop claims the grant from SEAI. 

One Stop Shops operate with different business models, so they can manage the whole retrofit project for you, or they may work with your preferred builder or to facilitate the SEAI grant.  

They have project management costs to manage the project; works, contractors, administration, quality, etc.  An SEAI grant is available toward the project management costs. 

One Stop Shop Grant requirements 

• Your OSS or builder must ensure that energy efficiency works are completed by an SEAI Registered Installer. Registered One Stop Shops | One Stop Shops | SEAI
• A pre-works BER is required to avail of the One Stop Shop service please contact a One Stop Shop or Competent Building Professional before beginning any works or demolishing your home. IS 465 register (Concrete Blocks and Mica) | Engineers Ireland
• A BER of B2 or better must be achieved on completion of energy upgrade works. 

You can use your own builder, but they will need to work in conjunction with an OSS to be eligible for SEAI grants. The OSS manages the entire energy upgrade process, working with your builder and dealing with SEAI. The OSS will deduct the grant value from the cost upfront, so no need to wait for grant payment after the works are completed. 

One Stop Shop services for homes | Home Energy Grants | SEAI 

Note that energy efficiency works must be completed by an SEAI registered Installer. 

A pre-works BER is required for One Stop Shop services for homes | Home Energy Grants | SEAI  and Community grants and funding | SEAI routes before remediation or upgrades. 

A post-works BER is required for all schemes after works are completed. 

You can find BER assessor on our website 

For any issues (e.g., house already demolished), contact [email protected] 

SEAI do not offer a standalone grant towards window and door upgrades. Windows are supported under the One Stop Shop scheme as part of an overall whole house home energy upgrade solution. 

Yes, homes approved for DCB grants from a local authority are eligible for SEAI grants. 

Issues with foundations, planning permissions, rebuild or remediation should be addressed by your local authority. 

Yes, your home qualifies, under SEAI's special provisions for DCB affected homeowners, Insulated Concrete Formwork constructed homes are eligible to apply for Internal Wall Insulation Grant. 

Yes, your home qualifies, under SEAI's special provisions for DCB affected homeowners, timber frame constructed homes are eligible to apply for Internal Wall Insulation Grant.

Yes, your home qualifies, under SEAI's special provisions for DCB affected homeowners, the installation of rigid insulation (e.g., PIR) in cavity wall construction are eligible to apply for the Cavity Wall insulation grant.