O’Brien tells Taoiseach Pyrite Remedial Scheme overlooks Fingal households

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• Current scheme in need of rehaul to support all homes with pyrite damage in Dublin Fingal -

Local Fianna Fáil TD Darragh O’Brien has again voiced his concerns regarding the Government's Pyrite Remediation Scheme.


The Deputy raised the shortcomings of the government’s Pyrite Remediation Scheme directly with the Taoiseach, Enda Kenny in the Dáil last week.


A remedial scheme launched in 2013 is subject to the property reaching a level of damage specified under a scale drawn up by the Pyrite Resolution Board, which critics claim the vast majority of those affected will not qualify for.


The Minister previously confirmed to Deputy O'Brien that 913 dwellings have been approved for inclusion in the Pyrite Remedial Scheme.

Deputy O’Brien commented, “I have continually raised concerns that this scheme is far too limited and un-fit for purpose. It only addresses the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the extent of the pyrite problems in thousands of homes across the east coast.


“It needs the Taoiseach's direct intervention to ensure that the Pyrite Remediation Scheme is brought up to standard so that thousands of home owners see light at the end of the tunnel and see their houses fixed and brought up to specification.

“There are an estimated 72,000 homeowners that are excessively damaged with pyrite, yet fewer than 1000 homes have been accepted into the Government’s scheme.


“The numbers of applications which the Minister has previously provided just scratches the surface and are further proof that the Pyrite Remediation Scheme is grossly inadequate.

“The problem lies with the reference to ‘significant levels’ of pyrite damage in the criteria set out by government under the scheme. Those who don’t meet the criteria must also be catered for. Leaving aside the damage, a house with pyrite is valueless, until it is remediated.

“There needs to be a comprehensive review of the pyrite scheme to protect all affected homeowners in Fingal and not just some. We must revise the whole issue of pyrite and overhaul the whole Government scheme which is unfit for purpose and now leaving thousands behind.

“My party and I have committed to expanding the Pyrite Remediation Scheme so that all homeowners affected by pyrite can have their homes fixed should their insurers not pay.


“We flagged this issue when the scheme was first proposed and submitted a series of amendments to the legislation, all of which were rejected by the last Government. We also published a Pyrite Remediation Bill to expand the scheme in 2012 - this was also ignored by Government.

"It is time for the Government to do more to support the thousands of families across the North County who have been left in limbo,” pointed out the Deputy.