Carlow homeowners await decision on pyrite remediation

SIX homeowners in Co Carlow are waiting to learn if their properties will be included in the national pyrite remediation scheme following completed investigations by the housing agency.

Speaking at a recent Carlow County Council meeting, chief executive Coilín O’Reilly provided an update on the ongoing pyrite situation affecting the county, confirming that investigations into the six suspected cases have been completed.

“The homeowners have already been informed of the outcome of the investigations,” Mr O’Reilly told councillors. “We don’t have the results because it needs to go from the housing agency to the Department of Housing to be included in legislation under the pyrite remediation scheme.” 

The decision on whether these properties will be included in the government-funded remediation programme now rests with the minister for housing, he confirmed. 

However, he expressed optimism about the prospects for Carlow homeowners.

“That’s a decision for the minister, but I will make representations to the assistant secretary to make sure that they are included,” he said. “I think the fact that there’s only six makes it more likely that they will be.” 

Cllr Daniel Pender, who raised the issue at the meeting, emphasised the importance of maintaining public awareness of the situation. 

“I just want to seek an update on the pyrite situation. It’s important that we keep that in the public domain and be talking about it and keep pressure on,” he said.

The six properties were initially identified through self-testing by homeowners and their surveyors, who detected the presence of pyrite in concrete blocks. The council subsequently appointed independent engineers to verify these findings through official inspections.

Pyrite, a mineral found in rock excavated from quarries and used in building blocks, causes defects that lead to cracks and structural problems in homes. The issue has affected approximately 20,000 homes across Ireland since it was first identified in 2007, with the majority located in Dublin, Kildare and Wicklow.

The national pyrite remediation scheme provides government funding to help affected homeowners repair damage caused by the defective building materials. Under the scheme, no eligible homeowner is excluded from receiving support for remediation costs.

The council previously advised anyone who suspects their building contains pyrite to contact the county’s acting chief fire officer for guidance on the proper procedures for testing and assessment.