Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 September 2025
532. Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the apartment and duplex defects remediation scheme will be in place and operational; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51929/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra551. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department have completed the work needed to allow the apartment and duplex defects remediation scheme be reviewed for pre-legislative scrutiny; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51298/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 532 and 551 together.
The Apartments and Duplex Defects Remediation Scheme (‘Scheme’) is expected to be established shortly after the passage of the legislation (the Apartment and Duplex Defects Remediation Bill), the timeline for which is subject to Oireachtas process. The General Scheme of the Bill will be made available to undergo pre-legislative scrutiny as soon as is practicable and I would anticipate this happening in the Dáil autumn term.
The Scheme will provide supports for the remediation of relevant fire safety, structural safety and water ingress defects in purpose-built apartment buildings, including duplexes, constructed between 1991 and 2013. It is envisaged that 100% of eligible remediation costs will be funded; however, it is not currently possible to indicate a precise timeline for when qualified recipients will receive payment under the Scheme.
An Interim Remediation 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 Interim Remediation Scheme is for the funding of emergency fire safety defect works in apartments and duplexes constructed between 1991 and 2013. The administration of this Scheme, under which Owner Management Companies (OMCs) can receive funding to carry out the necessary remedial works, is being managed by the Housing Agency on behalf of my Department.
As of the end of August 2025, 214 applications have been received and validated, having met the required eligibility criteria. These applications represent 19,735 residential units, with circa 76% in the Dublin region.
To support the implementation and increase the efficiency of the Interim Remediation Scheme, four pathfinder projects are currently underway. The projects have been selected from applications made to the Scheme, representing 595 residential units. The pathfinder process, which will also inform the development of the Statutory Scheme, is facilitating the design of templates and standards for documents to be prepared by Competent Professionals, including procurement arrangements, proposals for fire safety assessments, fire safety risk assessments, interim measures, remedial work plans, and other project-related paperwork.
