Dáil Question on the Pyrite Resolution Board

To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide an update ion the Pyrite Resolution Board and the establishment of the remediation process; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Mr. P. Hogan)

The Pyrite Resolution Board is finalising work o n developing the scope and detail of a pyrite remediation scheme, including the terms and conditions of the scheme dealing with eligibility ,   assessment criteria, procedures, priorities etc. I understand that it hopes to have this work completed very shortly .

The Board is also in the final stages of developing the initial phase of a website which it intends will go live in the immediate future .   The initial phase of the website will host relevant information and advice for homeowners in relation to the proposed scheme. The next phase of the website will include an on-line application system; this will take a further six to eight weeks to complete.

Following Government approval of the general scheme of a Pyrite Remediation Bill, work is now under way , as a matter of urgency, on developing the Bill and it is my intention that it will be published and enacted in the shortest possible timeframe.

The three construction stakeholders, the Construction Industry Federation, the Irish Concrete Federation and HomeBond are currently in the process of establishing a not-for-profit entity to operate the pyrite remediation programme under the supervision of the Pyrite Resolution Board.

Discussions are also continuing with a number of financial institutions with a view to making a loan facility available to the not-for-profit entity to facilitate the early commencement of a remediation scheme.