Ireland. Asbestos in apartment blocks. Expensive work do the Government give any grants

Thought for 52s

No, the Irish Government does not provide dedicated grants specifically for asbestos removal in residential apartment blocks (or other private homes). This has been consistently confirmed in parliamentary answers over many years (including as recently as 2022), and current official sources and specialist sites state there is still no targeted asbestos remediation grant scheme for residential properties.

reddit.com Asbestos removal in homes is treated as a private responsibility. It must be carried out safely by licensed specialists due to strict health and safety rules.

Limited Indirect Options Where Asbestos Removal Might Be Supported

In specific situations, costs can sometimes be included as part of other grants:

1. Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant (VPRG / Croí Cónaithe) — Most relevant option
   • Up to €50,000 for refurbishing a vacant property (or €70,000 if it qualifies as derelict).
   • The property must have been vacant for at least 2 years and built before 2008.
   • Asbestos removal is eligible under the category “Demolition work and site clearances, including removing hazardous materials.”
   • It can apply to individual houses or apartments meeting the criteria (including some conversions of vacant buildings into apartments).
   • Not typically suitable for occupied apartment blocks or common areas in a multi-unit development — it is aimed at bringing vacant properties back into use.
   • Apply through your local authority. You need proof of vacancy/ownership, quotes, and usually a Refurbishment/Demolition Asbestos Survey (RDAS). Works must be approved before starting.
2. Apartment & Duplex Defects Remediation Scheme (Interim scheme running; full statutory scheme in development)
   • Covers apartments and duplexes built 1991–2013 with specific fire safety, structural safety, or water ingress defects caused by poor construction.
   • Grants can cover eligible remediation works (potentially a high percentage or 100% under the full scheme).
   • Asbestos is not a covered defect on its own. However, if asbestos removal is necessary as part of fixing one of the eligible defects (e.g. during structural or fire safety works), it may be included in the funded costs.
   • Many buildings are affected and waiting times have been long. Check eligibility via the Housing Agency if your block has qualifying defects.
3. SEAI Solar Grants (limited context)
   • If you are removing asbestos roofing specifically to install solar panels, domestic homeowners may receive support of up to around €1,800 towards the asbestos removal costs as part of the solar project.
   • Not available for general asbestos removal.

Important Practical Advice for Apartment Blocks

• Apartment blocks are usually managed by an Owners’ Management Company (OMC) or agent. Asbestos issues in common areas are typically funded through the sinking fund or a special levy voted on by owners. There is no automatic government grant to cover this.
• Never disturb or remove asbestos yourself — it is illegal for non-licensed persons and extremely dangerous. It must be done by competent, licensed contractors (check the Health and Safety Authority register).
• Start with a professional asbestos survey (management survey or refurbishment/demolition survey) by a specialist company. This identifies what is present and whether it needs removal or can be safely managed in place.
• Proper removal involves licensed contractors, containment, specialist waste handling, and disposal (Ireland has no dedicated asbestos landfill, so it involves licensed transfer stations and often export).

Who to Contact

• Local authority — For VPRG applications, environmental health advice, or general queries.
• Health and Safety Authority (HSA) — Asbestos regulations, licensed contractors, and workplace/home work rules.
• Housing Agency — Information on the Apartment & Duplex Defects Remediation Scheme.
• Citizens Information or your local Citizens Information Centre — For grant details and forms.
• Specialist asbestos surveyors/contractors for quotes and surveys.

Bottom line: For most occupied apartment blocks, owners will have to fund asbestos work themselves (or via the OMC). The main possible supports are the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant (only if vacant) or incidental coverage under the defects remediation scheme (only if your block has qualifying construction defects). Check directly with your local authority and/or the Housing Agency with details of your specific situation, as eligibility depends on the property’s status. Schemes and rules can be updated, so official sources are best. If you provide more details (e.g. whether the apartments are vacant, build year, or if there are known defects), I can help narrow it down further.

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Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant eligibility

Apartment Defects Remediation Scheme