Government launches Interim Remediation Scheme for Fire Safety Defects in apartments and duplexes

Minister for Housing Darragh O’Brien has today announced the opening of the Interim Remediation Scheme for the funding of emergency fire safety defect works in apartments and duplexes, built between 1991 and 2013.

The Scheme will be administered by the Housing Agency on a nationwide basis.

The Scheme will be open to applications from Owners’ Management Companies (OMCs) from 1pm today December 11th 2023.

Applications can be made via the Housing Agency’s website at www.housingagency.ie

The Scheme opening today will provide for the full funding of interim measures in order to provide an acceptable level of fire safety in buildings, pending completion of the full remedial works.

Full remedial works, which will include all necessary fire safety measures as well as those related to water ingress and structural damage, will be funded under a statutory scheme that will be legislated for next year. Work is already underway in the Department on drafting this legislation.

“The Scheme I am launching today is an important next step in helping affected homeowners to help get their homes and lives back together,” Minister O’Brien said.

“It will ensure that important measures can be put in place immediately to guarantee the long-term safety of the many thousands of apartment residents across Ireland.

“This Interim Scheme is the result of a significant period of consultation with homeowners’ representatives.

“I would like to pay tribute to their professionalism, diligence and patience through this process, I have engaged with them regularly on this issue throughout the last number of months.

“Their insights have been an essential element that has allowed my Department, the Housing Agency and Local Authority Fire Services to put together this Scheme that will release funding for vital emergency measures in advance of the full statutory scheme being ready next year.”

People Before Profit TD Paul Murphy says he welcomes the government’s announcement of interim fire safety measures for owners of apartments with serious fire safety defects.

The TD called for the government to announce a scheme of full redress for those property owners to be legislated for and delivered early in the new year.

“It is welcome that the government has announced these interim measures to temporarily address some fire safety issues in these apartments and duplexes,” he said.

“This decision is a result of the tireless campaigning of the Not Our Fault campaign and others since this issue was discovered.

“What is essential is that the Minister and his government legislate for a full scheme of redress for these apartment and duplex owners, who have done nothing wrong, as soon as possible in the new year.”