Pyrite Resolution Board Update

The Pyrite Resolution Board (PRB) has set out a preliminary roadmap for the testing and remediation of properties affected by significant pyritic heave.

To date the Board have made significant progress on scoping the proposed remediation scheme and a dedicated website will be established by the end of May for homeowners to make online applications for remediation.

The PRB have indicated that the scope of the remediation scheme will cover:

(i) dwellings constructed in the period 1997 -2009 in the five local authority areas identified in the pyrite report,

(ii) dwellings certified in accordance with the standard developed by the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI), as having significant pyritic damage,

(iii) dwellings purchased and occupied by homeowners (and not applicable to unsold dwellings owned by developers/builders),

(iv) homeowners who have no other avenue for redress and excluding dwellings where remediation work has already been undertaken.

The PRB have also indicated that the following costs will be covered:

(i) Applicants will be required to submit a building condition assessment. However, an allowance, subject to a maximum limit (at an indicative cost of circa €600) will be recouped where it is subsequently established that the dwelling is subject to significant pyritic damage,

(ii) Sampling, testing and categorisation,

(iii) All activity associated with remediation work, including preparation of work plan, tendering, commissioning of works, oversight/monitoring of works, snagging, certification and sign off,

(iv) A reasonable allowance for furniture removal, storage and accommodation.

Applications will be made to the PRB and it will decide eligibility.

These measures will remove cost of testing as a barrier for homeowners to avail of remediation works as well as dramatically reducing a financial burden of pyrite for homeowners.

As an affected homeowner, I understand the anxiety of not knowing what the next step is on this issue. I hope that this information will provide some clarity, and I am determined to ensure that this process continues on track.

Work is currently progressing on legislation to establish a funding mechanism through a levy on the construction and insurance industries in order to fund remediation and is expected to come before cabinet later this month.

I will continue to represent the needs of pyrite affected homeowners in the Dáil, to my government colleagues, and to the Pyrite Resolution Board going forward.