In general, building defects are matters for resolution between the relevant contracting parties, i.e. the homeowner, the builder, the supplier and/or their respective insurers. I believe that the parties responsible for poor workmanship and/or the supply of defective materials should face up to their responsibilities and take appropriate actions to provide remedies for the affected homeowners.
In the event that the contracting parties cannot reach a settlement by negotiation, the option of seeking redress in the Courts can be considered. In this context, my Department understands that legal proceedings have been instigated in some of the cases relating to this problem; this is the appropriate course of action to pursue in the event that the responsible parties, i.e. the builder, the supplier and/or their insurers, do not face up to their responsibilities and provide a solution for the affected homeowners.
I fully appreciate and acknowledge the extremely difficult and distressing situations that certain homeowners in Donegal are facing on account of damage to the structural integrity of their homes and, consequently, my Department met with a number of the affected homeowners in early December 2014. At that meeting, my Department requested copies of test reports from accredited laboratories on the affected concrete blocks which had been commissioned by a number of homeowners, in order to provide a robust and scientific insight into the problems that have emerged. Following my recent visit to a number of the affected homes, copies of the requested test reports were provided to my Department. These test reports are currently being reviewed and a technical report is being prepared in the matter. It is anticipated that the technical analysis will be available for my consideration by the end of this month.
