Pyrite Remediation Programme

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 July 2020

Tuesday, 14 July 2020

Questions (400)

John McGuinness

Question:

400. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if he will provide a report on the status of houses affected by pyrite; if further funding or supports will be provided for house owners who wish to carry out ongoing monitoring of their property or remedial works; if a scheme can be agreed with mortgage providers to accommodate the sale of such properties in circumstances in which the levels of pyrite has been consistently low over a number of years and in which major defects have not materialised; if he and the Minister for Finance will consult with the Central Bank on the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15030/20]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government

The pyrite remediation scheme is a scheme of “last resort” applicable to dwellings, which are subject to significant damage attributable to pyritic heave. The full conditions for eligibility under the Scheme are available on the Pyrite Board’s website at www.pyriteboard.ie.

The latest figures available indicate that 2,680 applications have been received under Scheme and, so far, 2,246 dwellings have been included. A further 126 applications have been validated and referred to the Housing Agency for the Assessment and Verification Process, 113 applications are at the initial Application and Validation Process and 195 applications were not successful. Of the 2,246 dwellings included, the works in respect of 1,976 are complete with the rest at various stages of progress.

The sale of private properties is a matter for individual homeowners. Financial services policy is a matter for my colleague the Minister for Finance.