Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 April 2014
388. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 349 of 1 April 2014, the total fund now available to the Pyrite Resolution Board; if the initial €10m has been increased, as planned, and by how much; and the timeframe for the selection of homes and for the commencement of works. [16562/14]
View answerThe initial phase of the pyrite remediation programme will deal with approximately 1,000 dwellings which, it is estimated, are in need of urgent repair. In October 2013 , the Government approved initial funding of €10 million for the implementation of the scheme in 2014. Further funding will be provided over the next two years following consultation with the nister for Public Expenditure and Reform in the context of a further capital stimulus package.
At this point in time, it is not possible to look beyond the figure of 1,000 dwellings which may be in need of repair. However, there are a number of positive indications, including the number of applications received by the Pyrite Resolution Board to date , which suggest the number of dwellings requiring remediation is in line with this estimated figure.
The Pyrite Resolution Board commenced accepting applications from eligible homeowners for inclusion in the pyrite remediation scheme on 26 February 2014. I understand that the Board has received just over 400 completed applications at this stage and these are currently being processed. While the Board is keen to ensure that there will be no undue delay in the validation, assessment and verification processes, it is inevitable that it will take some time to undertake the processing of the applications currently on hand and those that will be submitted over the period ahead . The Board is committed to moving as quickly as possible to the works phase of the remediation process and I understand that it is their intention that this phase will commence in the second half of the year .
