Violet-Anne Wynne
Ceist:362. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he is aware of a situation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4319/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 30 January 2024
Ceisteanna (362)
Freagraí scríofa
My understanding is that the imposition and payment of management levies by Owner Management Companies (OMCs) on homeowners and non payment of same would fall under the provisions of the Multi Unit Development Act 2011. This legislation falls under the remit of my colleague the Minister for Justice.
The Deputy will be aware that my Department is advancing the steps to prepare the required legislation to put on a statutory footing, a scheme for the remediation scheme for fire safety, structural safety and water ingress defects in purpose-built apartment buildings, including duplexes, constructed between 1991 and 2013 on a statutory footing as a matter of priority. This scheme will provide funding to OMCs to carry out works once such works fall within the scope and defined parameters of the scheme.
I expect the legislation to be published later this year. in advance of that, on the 11th of December 2023 I announced the opening of the Interim Remediation Scheme for the funding of emergency fire safety defect works in apartments and duplexes. Apartments and duplexes built between 1991 and 2013 qualify for the Interim Remediation Scheme, where the fire safety defects were caused by defective design, workmanship or materials that breached the Building Regulations that applied when the property was built. The majority of remediation activities covered by the Interim Remediation Scheme will be to the common areas of buildings only, unless deemed necessary. The Interim Remediation Scheme is being administered by the Housing Agency on a nationwide basis and applications can be made via the Housing Agency’s website at www.housingagency.ie
Under the terms of the Scheme OMCs will receive funding to carry out the necessary remedial works. Thus, only applications from authorised representatives of OMCs will be considered. Funding will not be directly allocated to any individual homeowner through this Interim Remediation Scheme. The arrangements by which OMCs may wish to refund any levies previously incurred for works covered by the Scheme will be as matter in the first instance for the OMCs and the relevant homeowners concerned.