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Pyrite Remediation Programme

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 March 2021

Wednesday, 24 March 2021

Questions (683)

Darren O'Rourke

Question:

683. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he is satisfied with the quality of work being conducted under the pyrite remediation scheme; the quality guarantee that residents receive for works carried out under the scheme; if his attention has been drawn to many or any homes which have had works completed under the scheme only to notice cracks, movement and other problems afterwards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15021/21]

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Written answers

The Pyrite Resolution Act 2013 provides the statutory framework for the establishment of the Pyrite Resolution Board and for the making of a pyrite remediation scheme to be implemented by the Board with support from the Housing Agency.

The provisions of the Act apply only to dwellings affected by significant damage attributable to pyritic heave consequent on the presence of reactive pyrite in the subfloor hardcore material and not to damage arising in any other circumstance, e.g. such as pyrite in concrete blocks.

The pyrite remediation scheme is a scheme of “last resort” for affected homeowners who have no other practical option to obtain redress and is limited in its application and scope. The full conditions for eligibility under the scheme are set out in the scheme which is available on the Board’s website, www.pyriteboard.ie.

All works under the pyrite remediation scheme are completed, by competent builders, to the requirements of I.S. 398-2:2013 - Reactive pyrite in sub-floor hardcore material - Part 2: Methodology for Remediation Works, and are overseen by design professionals in accordance with the requirements of the Board and the Housing Agency.

Once the Remedial Works are complete, an engineer inspects the dwelling for snags, which are then addressed by a contractor. The Scheme Participant is invited to visit and view the dwelling both before and after this snag list stage.

Where a dwelling has been remediated under the pyrite remediation scheme, a certificate of remediation is provided to the scheme participant in respect of the relevant dwelling.

Post the return of the property, an engineer will assess defects associated with the Remedial Works which are notified to the Housing Agency in writing by the Scheme Participant within a period of 11 months from the date of the Certificate of Remediation. The Housing Agency agrees to repair any defect which arise, within this period, as a result of the Remedial Works only.

Following this period, at the Application Closure stage, there is a further opportunity for the Scheme Participant to notify the Housing Agency of any outstanding defects. Such issues will be investigated and resolved, where appropriate, in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Scheme.

The Board, the Housing Agency and their representatives’ endeavour, at all times to keep Scheme Participants informed of progress at every stage of the Pyrite Remediation process.

My Department is in regular contact with the Board and the Housing Agency in relation to the implementation of the scheme and is satisfied with the arrangements that are currently in place.

It is important to note that, in accordance with the provisions of the Act, the Board is independent in the performance of its functions, and as Minister, I have no role in the operational matters relating to the implementation of the scheme.

I would encourage any homeowner with concerns regarding the remediation of their dwelling to fully engage with the Board as early as possible to facilitate the process. The Board may be contacted by phone at Lo call 1890 252842 or by email to: info@pyriteboard.ie, or alternatively at: oireachtasinfo@pyriteboard.ie.

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