O’Brien commits to working group on construction defects

Local Minister Darragh O’Brien TD has committed to setting up a working group to examine potential solutions for homeowners impacted by construction defects.

Minister O’Brien said the working group, made up of officials, stakeholders and those whose homes have been affected, will seek to establish how widespread the issues are.
He said, “Having met with homeowners impacted by construction defects - some to a major extent, I know that it is a major problem that we need to get a handle of. I will be meeting with the Construction Defects Alliance later this month to further discuss this issue.

“The programme for government commits to examining options for those impacted within the first 12 months and this is an issue which crosses a number of Departments and will require collaboration. 

“I know Minister Helen McEntee has also committed to bringing forward law reform to improve the legal remedies for homeowners who are dealing with defects and there is also a provision in the Programme for Government to identify options for those impacted by defects, to access lowcost, long-term finance.

“I have asked officials in my Department to draw up a terms of reference for a working group. I look forward to the working group beginning their task and once the options and recommendations are made, the Government will then decide on the best course of action,” concluded Minister O’Brien.