Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 June 2026
572. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will clarify the position in respect of the cessation of the pyrite remediation scheme; his plans to continue support persons in geographical areas where pyrite is a known cause of disruption in dwellings; the number of households supported since the scheme opened; and expenditure on same. [45207/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Pyrite Remediation Scheme was set up to remediate dwellings that have been significantly damaged as a result of pyritic heave caused by the swelling of hardcore under ground floor slabs. The Scheme was launched in February 2014, and a total of 2,932 homes have had remediation completed to the end of 2025.
Expenditure for the scheme which includes all homeowner costs along with remediation costs to the end of 2025 is €210.1 million.
One of the eligibility requirements of the Pyrite Remediation Scheme was that a dwelling must have a level of damage that achieves a Damage Condition Rating of 2, defined in Irish Standard I.S. 398-1:2017 Part 1 and explained in Section 3.3 of the Pyrite Remediation Scheme.
In February 2026, the Pyrite Remediation Scheme has been widened to include applications for dwellings that have a Damage Condition Rating of 1 (DCR1) with progression, subject to satisfying the eligibility requirements of the revised scheme.
There are two significant elements to the widening of the Scheme:
• To apply under DCR1 with progression, the damage exhibited to the floor slab has to be at or above a certain specified level; and
• The testing and assessment to determine inclusion will be undertaken by the Housing Agency, with oversight and approval by the Pyrite Resolution Board.
The Pyrite Remediation Scheme will close to applications on 30 November 2026. The works programme will continue up to the end of 2029 when it is expected that all dwellings that have been significantly damaged as a result of pyritic heave will be remediated.
The remediated homes are spread across nine local authority areas, with the majority located within the Fingal County Council boundary. The Scheme will continue in these areas where approved.
The management and operation of the scheme, including application processing, is a matter for the Pyrite Resolution Board, details of which can be found on the Pyrite Resolution Board website at www.pyriteboard.ie
Elected representatives can make queries to oireachtasinfo@pyriteboard.ie
