Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 16 June 2021
115. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the cost to date for pyrite remediation; the projected cost into the future; the average remediation cost; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32223/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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.
€20m was provided under Budget 2021 to cover the implementation of the pyrite remediation scheme in 2021. This allocation will facilitate the remediation of some 300 additional dwellings in 2021 and is a clear signal of the continuing importance attached by Government to addressing the issue of significant pyritic damage in private dwellings. This will bring to approx. €166m the total funding provided under the scheme since 2014.
The latest figures available indicate that 2,889 applications have been received under Scheme and, so far, 2,413 dwellings have been included. A further 108 applications have been validated and referred to the Housing Agency for the Assessment and Verification Process, 108 applications are at the initial Application and Validation Process and 260 applications were not successful. Of the 2,413 dwellings included, the works in respect of 2,148 are complete with the rest at various stages of progress.
It is projected that approx. €62.5m will be required under the scheme between 2022 and 2026. Projected expenditure is under constant review and is updated regularly. It is unlikely that applications will cease entirely post end-2026 but its expected they will reduce at a gradual rate over time.
The average all in cost of remediation of dwellings under the Scheme ranges from €65,000 to €70,000 per dwelling.
