Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 September 2022
525. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the procedure for a homeowner whose building is affected by mica or pyrite; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42209/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing on from the Government decision of the 30 November 2021 in respect of the enhanced Defective Concrete Blocks Grant scheme, the Government approved the Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks Bill 2022 on 21 June and the Bill passed through both Houses of the Oireachtas and was subsequently signed into law by the President.
The purpose of this Act is to implement and give legislative underpinning to a series of measures to improve and enhance the scheme as agreed by Government on 30 November 2021. Full details can be found at www.gov.ie/en/press-release/328d7-minister-obrien-welcomes-progress-on-enhanced-defective-concrete-blocks-grant-scheme/. This new and enhanced scheme will be rolled out when the necessary regulations, forms and guidance documentation have been put in place. This work is being prioritised and it is intended to be in a position to open the new scheme for applications before the end of the year. The new scheme will be available to homeowners in Donegal, Mayo, Clare and Limerick.
Pending the rollout of the new scheme, the current scheme, which is only open to homeowners in Donegal and Mayo, remains operational and the relevant local authority has responsibility for the detailed administration of the scheme. Any queries relating to the current scheme should be addressed directly to the local authority.
The Pyrite Remediation Scheme is a separate scheme and applies only to dwellings affected by significant damage attributable to pyritic heave consequent on the presence of reactive pyrite in the subfloor hardcore material. 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.
