asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware of reports that quick hardening alumina concrete may be unsafe for use in buildings; if he has had any investigations carried out; and if he will make a statement in the matter.
19.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Quick Hardening Concrete.
18.
asked the Minister for Local Government if HAC beams have been used in Ireland; and, if so, whether he is satisfied that such beams are safe in all circumstances.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 18 and 19 together.
I am aware that investigations carried out in England following the collapse of roof beams containing high alumina cement in a swimming pool revealed that concrete containing high alumina cement may be vulnerable to loss of strength. It has been ascertained that high alumina cement has been used on a very limited scale here and represents only 0.25 per cent of the total cement used in construction work.
I would refer the Deputies to my Press statement of 23rd August last, in which I stated that local authorities had been asked by me to identify buildings in their functional areas in which this cement had been used and to advise those responsible for maintaining the structural fabric of such buildings to have the need for remedial action investigated.
They were also asked when considering applications for building bye-law approval to ensure as far as practicable that the material was not used for structural work. I further indicated that the Institute for Industrial Research and Standards would undertake technical investigations where required and that the use of the material would be specially considered in connection with the preparation of the building regulations now under way in my Department.
I do not propose to make a further statement on the matter at the present time.
Could I take it there will be a report from the local authorities on any of the buildings in their areas where this type of cement was used? Would the Minister let us know the outcome of that report later on?
I do not propose to say anything further at the present time.
Is the Minister aware that examination of all the buildings —it is a very extensive job—has been carried out in England and the engineer in charge of this investigation is finding that in up to 70 per cent of the cases where this cement was used the buildings are unsatisfactory and will need at least extra supports if they are not to be reconstructed?
I am not aware of that, but I accept Deputy Lemass's comment as probably correct if he says so.