The independent Pyrite Panel, which I established in September 2011, undertook a desktop study, in conjunction with stakeholder consultation, to establish certain facts in relation to the potential exposure to pyrite problems. The information was gathered from a number of sources including local authorities, structural guarantee providers, representatives of homeowners, private builders, construction professionals and public representatives and was cross referenced to verify, as far as practicable, its validity.
Seventy four estates were identified to the Pyrite Panel as possibly having pyrite. All of these estates are located in the five local authority areas of Dublin City, Fingal, Kildare, Meath and Offaly.
I understand that the Pyrite Panel were not made aware of any instances of pyrite occurring outside of those five local authority areas at the time of the report's compilation.
I established the Pyrite Resolution Board earlier this year to oversee and ensure the effective implementation of a pyrite remediation programme for homeowners who have no other viable options to have pyrite remediation works undertaken. The Board has recently published an outline of the proposed remediation scheme in accordance with the recommendations of the report of the Pyrite Panel.
While the outline of the scheme provides that dwellings must be located in one of the five local authority areas of Dublin City, Fingal, Kildare, Meath or Offaly, the Board have signalled that the scheme will be reviewed from time to time having regard to prevailing facts and circumstances.