Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 July 2016
120. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if the cost of remediation per unit and remediation per phase has increased as a result of inflation in the construction sector; if he will provide comparative costings in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20327/16]
View answerThe Pyrite Resolution Board, with the support of the Housing Agency, is responsible for the implementation of the pyrite remediation scheme. In general terms, the cost of pyrite remediation is largely dependent on the dwelling type, the number of units in a project, the floor area of the dwellings, the depth of hardcore in the units and the presence or otherwise of under-floor heating systems. Against this background, remediation costs can vary significantly and may not always be directly comparable across projects. While my Department monitors overall expenditure under the scheme, the costs associated with individual projects are determined by on-going competitive procurement processes which fall within the remit of the Housing Agency.
In this regard, dwellings which have been included in the pyrite remediation scheme are grouped into projects in order to secure the most beneficial, effective and efficient use of the funds available to the scheme. For each project, a specific programme is developed to facilitate the execution of the remedial works which, in many cases, is carried out on a phased basis. The programme commences with the appointment of an engineer to survey the dwellings, prepare remedial works plans and the tender documents necessary to procure a works contractor to remediate the dwellings in the project. The procurement of the engineer is undertaken in accordance with national procurement guidelines and EU procurement regulations. A framework panel, comprising a list of engineers already qualified to carry out this type of work, has been established by the Housing Agency for this purpose.
On completion of the remedial works plans, a separate tendering process is undertaken to engage a works contractor to remediate each of the dwellings in the project in accordance with their remedial works plans. The procurement of the works contractor is also undertaken in accordance with public procurement rules. Similar to the position with regard to the appointment of the engineer, a framework panel, comprising a list of works contractors already qualified to carry out this type of work, has been established by the Housing Agency from which tender proposals are received.
Remedial works are carried out by the successful works contractor in accordance with the remedial works plans and I.S. 398-2: 2013: Reactive pyrite in sub-floor hard core material – Part 2: Methodology for remediation works. The engineer will undertake inspections at critical points during the process in order to issue the Certificate of Remediation in accordance with Annex B of I.S. 398-2: 2013.
