Minister O’Brien welcomes improvements to Interim Remediation Scheme for Fire Safety Defects

Fianna Fáil Minister Darragh O’Brien has welcomed significant changes to the Interim Remediation Scheme for fire safety defects in apartments and duplexes built between 1991 and 2013, saying the measures will provide “certainty for homeowners in the months ahead.”
The changes come ahead of legislation for a broader statutory remediation scheme, which is due to be introduced later this year.
The updated Interim Remediation Scheme focuses on fire detection and alarm systems. It is designed to simplify the process, reduce administrative hurdles and allow urgent safety works to begin more quickly. Enabling Owner Management Companies to carry out essential upgrades while ensuring residents can remain safely in their homes until full building remediation is completed.
Speaking about the extension, Minister O’Brien said it will ensure full funding for interim safety measures so buildings can reach an acceptable level of fire protection while longer term works are put in place.
“The extension of today’s scheme will ensure full funding of interim measures to provide an acceptable level of fire safety in buildings, pending completion of full remedial works,” he said.
“It will also ensure owners remain supported and compensated for defects in their properties as we move toward statutory legislation that will fund the full programme of works.”
Minister O’Brien said he has seen firsthand the hardship and stress these defects have caused homeowners across Dublin and beyond during his time as Minister overseeing the intorduction of the statutory legislation.
He said the Government is committed to delivering practical solutions and fast-tracking critical fire safety measures.
These will prioritise fire detection systems, along with resident alert and evacuation infrastructure. A streamlined approval process will allow this work to proceed ahead of comprehensive remediation under the forthcoming statutory scheme.
“This legislation will ensure that people who bought their homes in good faith will receive the remedies they deserve.
“Today’s announcement provides certainty as we get closer to a long-term solution.”
To help Owner Management Companies act quickly, the Government will provide up to 50% of funding in advance. This will remove financial barriers to carrying out essential works.
Funding for necessary fire detection and alarm system works is expected to begin rolling out to Owner Management Companies from 2026, with a significant number of applicants set to receive support during the first half of this year.
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Notes
What is the Interim Remediation Scheme?
The Interim Remediation Scheme is for the funding of emergency fire safety defect works in apartments and duplexes, constructed between 1991 and 2013.
The Scheme is administered by the Housing Agency on a nationwide basis, and provides for the full funding of interim measures (emergency fire safety defect works) in order to provide an acceptable level of fire safety in buildings, pending completion of full remedial works.
Scale of defects in apartments and duplexes
The Working Group to Examine Defects in Housing that reported July 2022, estimated that between 50% and 80% of apartments and duplexes (or associated common areas) constructed between 1991 and 2013, may be affected by one or more fire safety, structural safety or water ingress defects. There have been 230 applications to the interim Scheme to date, equating to approximately 20,000 apartments and duplexes.