A NORTHSIDE TD has raised concerns that owners of properties that were once affected by pyrite, but have since been remediated, are being refused home insurance.
Dublin North TD Alan Farrell (FG) raised the issue in the Dail last week with Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government, Paudie Coffey.
Deputy Farrell’s home was one of many across the Northside affected by pyrite at the height of the problem but it has since been remediated.
“The issue of pyrite remediated properties being refused home insurance is one which must be addressed urgently,
? he told Northside People.
“I understand that this is a stressful issue for homeowners, particularly as my own residence was remediated from pyrite three years ago.
“The fact that insurance providers seem to be unwilling to insure homes that have been remediated from pyrite is unfair and unacceptable.
“A negative implication of this is that owners face a great deal of difficulty if they want to sell their homes, as potential buyers are put off by the fear of being unable to acquire home insurance.
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Deputy Farrell said there was no understandable reason as to why a home insurance provider should refuse to insure a pyrite remediated home
“This is an issue upon which Minister Coffey and I are agreed,
? he stated.
“I have called upon the Minister to take on the responsibility of finding a solution to this issue.
“I have urged him to examine the possibility of establishing a voluntary agreement between the Government and the insurance providers, along the lines of the Declined Cases Agreement which operates in the motor insurance industry.
“Such an agreement in relation to home insurance would ensure that, where insurance has been refused by three companies, the first company which was approached would be obliged to provide a homeowner with a quote.
“A committee would be established to administer this agreement and ensure that quotes provided are not made excessively expensive by the provider as a means of refusal.
“Furthermore, companies could be required to sign up to such an agreement to receive authorisation to practice.
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Deputy Farrell added:
“I will continue to work towards finding a workable solution which will assist affected homeowners in gaining access to home insurance and prevent companies from refusing to provide a quote on the basis that pyrite had previously been present in a property.
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