Sharon Keogan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I formally second the proposal on Senator Martin's Bill. I call on the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to debate the redress of homeowners affected by the defective concrete blocks crisis. I commend Councillors Farren, Beard, Devine and McGee who ran successfully for the 100% Redress Party in the local elections in June.

Mica and freeze thaw were blamed for the problems causing the properties to crumble, but this was based on a desktop study with no scientific evidence. The science is now proving undeniably that the cause is due to an internal sulfate attack caused by pyrite and pyrrhotite in the aggregate of the concrete. Interim reports have been submitted by world renowned scientists and the final report to the National Standards Authority of Ireland, NSAI, will be finalised in the coming weeks. The review by the NSAI is due to be completed in this quarter.

Properties are currently being remediated with the wrong options as the only solution based on the scientific evidence is to fully demolish the property. Foundations are showing early signs of deterioration due to the same issue as the blocks. Unfortunately, foundations are currently not included in the scheme and are therefore costing homeowners who are replacing them.

The review of IS 465 is a crucial moment to ensure the scheme is fit for purpose and based on the most up-to-date scientific findings. A comprehensive review will help to ensure that all homeowners who need support can receive it and that the remediation offer is durable, effective and reflective of the true damage caused by the defective concrete blocks.

While the scheme aids, it falls short of offering the full redress needed by homeowners. Many continue to face substantial financial shortfalls, particularly those whose remediation options have been downgraded by the Housing Agency. The process of project managing their own rebuilds, securing temporary accommodation and recovering additional costs has placed an enormous strain on affected families. This continues to highlight the inadequacies of the current scheme in terms of delivering fully 100% redress. The affected homes are deteriorating rapidly, and the cracks are widening. This is in turn causing mould due to moisture getting into the home. Rodents are entering homes through the cracks. Some people living in the homes built with defective blocks are experiencing respiratory conditions they never experienced before. Sadly, many properties are excluded from the scheme including holiday homes, commercial buildings, part-built properties, children's play date centres, GAA clubs, community centres and a few more. We must ensure that the scheme delivers the 100% redress the homeowners desperately need and deserve. Can the Minister, Deputy Darragh O'Brien, come to the Seanad to give a statement on progress and the issues facing the delivery of this scheme?