DCB Scheme Donegal Guide
DCB Guide Donegal County Council (DCC) and SEAI grants
Our FREE guide will help you understand the process and guide you though step by step
This is a stressful time, but there is a clear path forward. In Donegal, the process is now more streamlined thanks to the 2026 “Enhanced Scheme” updates.
Here is your day-by-day guide for navigating both the Donegal County Council (DCC) and SEAI grants.
Phase 1: Discovery & Assessment (Weeks 1–8)
- Day 1: Documentation. Find your MPRN number (top right of your electricity bill) and your Eircode. These are essential for every form you will fill out.
- Week 1: Contact a “Competent Building Professional” (CBP). This is a chartered engineer, architect, or building surveyor. You must choose one from the official register (available on the Donegal County Council website).
- Week 2-4: The Building Condition Assessment (BCA). Your CBP will visit your home to inspect the damage and complete a BCA.
- Week 5: Apply to the DCC Online Portal. Register and upload your BCA. This officially enters you into the Enhanced DCB Scheme.
- Week 6-8: Housing Agency Review. The Council refers your case to the Housing Agency. An engineer may visit your home to confirm the “Damage Threshold.” You will eventually receive a Determination of Damage (Option 1 to 5) and a grant amount.
Phase 2: The Energy Upgrade Strategy (Before Works Start)
- Don’t wait! Once you know your remediation option (e.g., full rebuild), contact us so we can guide you though the SEAI grant process. We do not charge an upfront fee for this service.
- Get a Pre-Works BER. You must have a Building Energy Rating (BER) assessment done before any walls are knocked. SEAI requires this to prove the “before and after” efficiency. We can also do this for you.
- Apply for the SEAI DCB Grant. We can apply for and manage this on your behalf.
You will need your Confirmation of Grant Eligibility letter from Donegal County Council. - Crucial Rule: You must receive your SEAI Grant Offer before you start any energy-related works.
Phase 3: Tendering & Commencement
- Get Quotes. Show contractors your DCC Remedial Works Plan. Ensure they are SEAI-registered if they are doing the energy upgrades (windows, heat pumps, etc.), we can guide you through this part of the process.
- Notify Commencement. Once you’ve picked a builder, notify the Council.
- Apply for Ancillary Grants. Now is the time to claim your Alternative Accommodation (€15,000), Storage (€5,000), or Immediate Works (€5,000) if needed.
Phase 4: Construction & Payment
- Stage Payments. As works progress, your CBP will issue “Interim Valuation Certificates.” You upload these to the DCC portal to receive grant installments.
- Final Certification. Once finished, your CBP signs a Certificate of Remediation.
- SEAI Finalization. A Post-Works BER is carried out. If you used us to manage the grant process we deduct our fee. If you applied individually, you submit the “Declaration of Works” to SEAI for payment.
Key Contacts
Organization | Purpose | Contact Info |
DCC DCB Office | Primary Grant & Portal Access | |
Community Facilitators | One-to-one help with forms | Available via DCC website |
Rebuild Energy for your SEAI Grant Support | Energy Upgrade Grants | David McLaughlin info@rebuildenergy.ie |
Engineers Ireland | Finding a CBP |
We co-ordinate the SEAI grants on your behalf through a Community Energy grant Program.
This follows the same principal as a One stop Shop but with added flexibility.
- You can use your own SEAI registered contractors.
- We do not charge any upfront fees.
- We keep our fees low while delivering a top tier professional service you can rely on.
- We are committed to paying homeowners additional contribution for energy credits which are calculated based on the Pre works and post works BER.