Remediation scheme to repair pyrite-affected homes opens

THERE was some welcome news last week for Northside residents whose homes are affected by pyrite.

The Pyrite Remediation Scheme began accepting online applications for funding of repairs from last Wednesday (February 26).

Homeowners whose homes are affected by pyritic heave can apply to the fund through the Pyrite Resolution Board website, www.pyriteboard.ie.

Dublin Bay North TD Terence Flanagan (Ind) has welcomed the opening of the scheme.

“A number of properties in my constituency were damaged by pyrite and I recommend anybody whose properties have been damaged to apply to the fund,

? he said.

“A resolution to the pyrite problem has been a long time coming and I hope that all homes that have been seriously damaged by pyrite can now be repaired to a livable standard.

“This is an issue that has affected a number of my constituents and I am happy that an end is now in sight to the problems they have been experiencing.

?

Deputy Flanagan said he has seen first-hand the negative impact that pyrite has had on homeowners.

“The issue of pyrite in housing has brought on lots of unnecessary stress, anxiety and pressure on families who, through no fault of their own, find themselves in this situation,

? he added.

“This is on top of the fact that many homeowners are in negative equity and some find themselves in mortgage arrears.

?

All homeowners that apply for support will be assessed by the Pyrite Resolution Board to determine if their properties qualify for repairs. Only those assessed to have significant damage will be awarded funding.

Cllr Declan Flanagan (FG) said:

“I hope all homeowners who have been impacted by pyrite will be rid of the problem soon.

?

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Phil Hogan, said he hopes this will mark the beginning of the end of the hardship and stress that so many have had to endure for too long.

“Having seen the dreadful situations that people have had to live with I was determined to put in place the necessary structures that would deliver reasonable and sustainable solutions for those homeowners who have no other practicable options for redress,

? he stated.

“I believe we have achieved that objective.

“The Pyrite Resolution Board is ready to begin the assessment of applications and is anxious to facilitate the commencement of remediation works by the Housing Agency at the earliest possible opportunity.

“I know that all involved are committed to moving quickly to the actual works on the ground and a lot of preparatory work has already been undertaken to ensure that this can happen quickly.

?

Last October, the Government approved initial funding of $10 million for the roll-out of a pyrite remediation scheme with further funding to be provided in the context of the stimulus package to be announced later this year.

The initial phase of the remediation programme will deal with the circa 1,000 dwellings which, on the basis of present information, are estimated to be in need of repair.

Cognisant of the need to optimise the resources available to it and to ensure the cost effectiveness and effectiveness in the delivery of the scheme, the PRB will group dwellings together in order to achieve economies of scale and effectiveness of operations.

All procurement will be in accordance with EU and national rules and in this context, Framework Agreements are being set up by the Housing Agency for professional services and contractors.

It is anticipated that the scheme will be reviewed in 2015 and any post-2015 funding requirement will be dealt with at that stage having regard to developments over the interim period.

Full conditions of eligibility of the scheme are set out in the Pyrite Remediation Scheme which is available at www.pyriteboard.ie