Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 September 2014
20. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide an update on the problems caused by pyrite which led to some homes in Drogheda, County Louth, being marked for demolition before the summer; and the efforts he has made to support those effected in seeking redress. [34310/14]
View answerUnder the European Union (Construction Products) Regulations 2013, market surveillance authorities have a wide range of powers to ensure that construction products placed on the market comply with the requirements set out in the Construction Products Regulation. On being advised of the problem in April 2014, the relevant market surveillance authority has taken, and is continuing to take, appropriate action to deal with this issue. One of the developments involved is a social housing development of some 25 dwellings located outside of Drogheda, County Louth. Testing of the blocks has confirmed the presence of pyrite in 24 of the 25 dwellings. As a result, demolition and rebuild of the full site was agreed between the contracting parties with the associated cost to be met through the construction contracts. I understand that the demolition of the 25 houses is now complete and rebuilding works have commenced with a revised delivery set for the spring/summer of 2015. Given that the problems were identified prior to occupation, no one has had to vacate their homes; all 25 homes will be replaced and made available to families through the application of the building contracts.
My Department will continue to work closely with the relevant building control/market surveillance authorities involved in dealing with this particular matter to monitor the situation and will continue to provide whatever advice, guidance or clarifications as are required to ensure that the necessary actions are taken to resolve the problems identified in County Louth and other areas and to safeguard against defective products being placed on the market.
