It’s been confirmed that the government has approved a remediation scheme for social homes affected by defective blocks. Cabinet approved the scheme last week, and Minister James Browne will now bring resolutions before the Dail and Seanad in September. The Department of Housing says Section 36 of the current DCB remediation act allows the Government to make a scheme to apply to social homes owned by designated local authorities and approved housing bodies. Last year, it was estimated that over 1,500 council houses are affected by defective blocks, with more than 80 properties currently lying empty. On July 22nd 2026 the Government approved a draft Defective Concrete Blocks Social Homes Scheme and authorised the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to arrange for the moving of a motion for a Resolution in each House of the Oireachtas, approving the draft Defective Concrete Blocks Social Homes Scheme.