Senator expresses “cautious concern” about Apartment and Duplex Defects Remediation Scheme

Senator Victor Boyhan says he cautiously welcomes yesterday’s announcement from Minister for Housing Darragh O’Brien on the establishment of a Retrospective Costs Pathfinder for the Apartment and Duplex Defects Remediation Scheme.

“My cautious concern is that the Minister proposal is only for a representative sample of multi-unit developments which will be determined in conjunction with stakeholder representatives,” Senator Boyhan said.

“I understand that the Ministers proposals are to identify and develop an appropriate process to address retrospective issues more widely with the objective to have a plan a process that provides a streamlined approach to tackle defect and remediation to the satisfaction applicants and property owners.

“I accept that the Minister is committed in principle to a retrospective redress and remediation scheme to included costs, but that is not enough!

“Defective apartments are a source of real concern to the owners, who can neither afford to remedy the situation or indeed “get out” many of these properties simply cannot be sold on and the occupants are trapped – it’s a desperate situation!”

Senator Boyhan concluded by calling on the Minister to provide for “a more detailed and concrete information pack on the scheme and greater certainty as to what apartment owners can expect in terms of government intervention for remediation of their homes.”