Update: Donegal County Council Opens Enhanced DCB Grant Applications for Priority 1 Group
Donegal County Council has announced a significant update to the Defective Concrete Blocks (DCB) Enhanced Grant Scheme. As of March 11, 2026, the online portal has been updated with a dedicated “Apply for Increase to Remediation Option Grant” tile.
This initial rollout is specifically for Priority 1 Group applicants.
Who is in the Priority 1 Group?
You are currently eligible to apply if you meet both of the following criteria:
You completed your remediation works after March 29, 2024.
You have already received your Final Payment and have exhausted your previous grant limit.
The Council will notify other priority groups as the portal becomes available to them in the coming weeks.
How the New 3-Step Process Works
The Council has streamlined the system to make retrospective payments as straightforward as possible:
Step 1: The Application Log in to the Online Portal and select the new “Increase to Remediation Option Grant” tile. You will need to:
Confirm your existing details.
Answer a few brief questions and declarations.
Upload invoices for “qualifying expenditure” incurred after your initial grant notification (but not before March 29, 2024). This includes both construction costs and professional fees.
Step 2: Assessment The DCB Office will review your application. If successful, the Council will issue a formal notification confirming your new, increased grant total.
Step 3: Submitting Your Claim Once your increase is approved, a Payment Claim Tile will appear on your portal.
To save time, the Council will pre-load documents and invoices you submitted in Step 1.
You will need to provide a Final Valuation Certificate (similar to an Interim Certificate).
Your Competent Building Professional will be required to assist with this stage. Note: These professional fees are eligible for reimbursement.
A Simplified Approach
While the Council must strictly follow legislative guidelines for retrospective payments, they have committed to pre-loading as much documentation as possible to reduce the administrative burden on homeowners.
Need Assistance? Applicants are encouraged to review the full details on the Donegal County Council website. If you require further guidance, the Community Facilitators are available to help you navigate the updated portal.
What we offer
For homeowners affected by defective concrete blocks (DCB), SEAI (Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland) grants are additional energy-efficiency funds you can claim alongside your main remediation grant.
The goal is to help you move beyond just “fixing” the house and actually “upgrading” it to modern energy standards (BER B2 or better) while the construction work is already happening.
How They Work Together
The DCB Grant (Council): Covers the cost of remediating the structural damage (e.g., rebuilding walls or the entire house) on a “like-for-like” basis to 2007/2008 building regulations.
The SEAI Grant: Covers the extra cost of adding high-spec energy measures like heat pumps, high-performance windows, and superior insulation that go above and beyond standard repairs.
We can apply for the SEAI grant of up to €36,000 on your behalf and guide you though this process from start to finish.
No paperwork needed for the initial conversation. We’ll explain the process and answer any questions you have.