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Defective Building Materials

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 16 February 2022

Wednesday, 16 February 2022

Questions (107)

Thomas Pringle

Question:

107. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the defective block scheme will include the replacement of foundations if needed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8535/22]

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Written answers

I brought a Memorandum to Government on an enhanced Defective Concrete Blocks Grant Scheme on the 30 November 2021.

It included an unprecedented suite of improvements to the current scheme which funds five remediation options. The enhanced scheme is estimated to cost €2.2 billion and will continue to fund the five remediation options set out in the I.S. 465 standard as follows.

Remedial

Option

Remedial Option Description

Option 1

Demolish entire dwelling to foundation level and rebuild.

Option   2

Demolish and rebuild external walls (both outer and inner leafs) down to foundation on a phased basis and re-render.

Option   3

Demolish and rebuild external walls (both outer and internal leafs) down to top of rising wall on a phased basis and re-   render.

Option   4

Demolish and rebuild external walls (outer leaf only) down to   top of rising wall on a phased basis and re-render.

Option   5

Demolish and rebuild outer leaf of affected walls only and re-render.

It is currently understood that foundations are not impacted and there is no evidence to support claims that they are at present. Foundations can be left in situ and built upon and this is the approach recommended in the current I.S. 465 standard.

However, Government did as part of its decision on the 30 November request that the current I.S. 465 standard would be reviewed. The National Standards Authority of Ireland are the competent authority in this regard and they have agreed to undertake such a review. They have been liaising with my Department on the scope of the review required and the necessary research which will need to be carried out to ensure that the review is  informed by evidence and expert input.

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