Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 29 February 2024
221. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when he expects to publish legislation underpinning the scheme for repairs to defective Celtic Tiger era apartments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9848/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI fully acknowledge the difficulties that homeowners and residents of many apartments and duplexes are facing in relation to building defects. This Government is committed to helping those whose lives have been impacted by this issue, with full funding for eligible remediation works that ensure they can remain living in their homes.
Since I received Government approval to draft legislation to establish supports for the remediation of fire safety, structural safety and water ingress defects in apartments and duplexes, constructed between 1991 and 2013, my Department has been advancing the steps to put the remediation scheme on a statutory footing as a matter of priority. Given the complexity of the issues, including the significant amount of Exchequer funding that this Government has committed to assist affected homeowners, sufficient time is required to ensure that the scheme is fit for purpose, provides value for tax payer’s money and contains appropriate oversight and governance measures. It is expected the draft legislation will be published in the coming months and that, subject to the legislative process, the statutory scheme will be in place later this year.
In December 2023 I announced the opening of the Interim Remediation Scheme for the funding of emergency fire safety defect works. The majority of remediation activities covered by the Interim Remediation Scheme will be to the common areas of buildings only, unless deemed necessary. Owners’ Management Companies (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 Interim Remediation Scheme is being administered by the Housing Agency and applications can be made via their website at www.housingagency.ie
As of 31 January, 79 applications are being progressed across 22 local authority areas, representing a total of 7,412 residential units.
