Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 October 2025
319. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the progress to date on the interim remediation scheme for fire safety defects in apartments and duplexes; the number of applications validated and units covered; to provide an update on the retrospective payments scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53837/25]
View answerAn Interim Remediation Scheme (‘Scheme’) has been in place since December 2023, to provide an acceptable level of fire safety in buildings pending introduction of the Statutory Scheme and completion of the full remedial works.
The Scheme is for the funding of emergency fire safety defect works in apartments and duplexes constructed between 1991 and 2013.
As of the end of September 2025, 217 applications have been received and validated, having met the required eligibility criteria. These applications represent 19,891 residential units, with circa 76% in the Dublin region.
The Government is committed to consideration of remediation costs already incurred as part of the drafting of the Bill. The Apartments and Duplex Defects Remediation Statutory Scheme, including provision for retrospective payment, is expected to be established shortly after the passage of the legislation.
A Retrospective Costs Pathfinder project using a representative sample of Multi-Unit Developments (MUDs) has been established to identify an appropriate process to address retrospective issues more broadly. In particular, the Pathfinder project will support development of a robust process around:
• Alignment with the existing Interim Remediation Scheme processes;
• Supporting Documentation and Timeframes;
• Certification and Standardisation of Evidence;
• Verification and Payment processes.
As the design of the retrospective element of the Statutory Scheme will be informed by the outcomes of the Retrospective Costs Pathfinder project, it is not currently possible to provide further details of how retrospective payment will operate in practice. The aim is to identify a process that provides a streamlined approach, ease of engagement by applicants and ensures good governance regarding Exchequer funding.
