The Pyrite Resolution Board was established in December 2012 by
the Minister for the Environment Phil Hogan. Its purpose
was to oversee the implementation of a comprehensive remediation
scheme for private dwellings affected by significant 'Pyrite
heave'. The board consists of John O'Connor
(Chairman), Caroline Gill, Paul Forde, Sean Balfe and Matt
Gallagher.
The board's website has now gone live. The website
includes an online process for eligible homeowners to register
their interest. It is expected that applications will be accepted
shortly.
There are an estimated 850 houses in need of immediate remediation
at an average cost of €45,000 per dwelling. These
repairs will be prioritised and work is expected to commence in the
summer months.
The Pyrite Panel recommended that homeowners should not have
to bear the costs of remediation. This has resulted in a
contentious proposal to impose a mandatory levy on the insurance
and quarrying industries. This is to be used to repay the
banks who will be contributing an upfront sum.
Following Government approval of a general Pyrite Remediation
Bill, urgent work is now under way to develop the Bill.
The Irish Insurance Federation has expressed outrage at the
proposed mandatory levy and described the proposal as
'unacceptable' and 'unjust'. The IIF believes that
the quarrying / construction industry and the State are responsible
for the Pyrite problem and should have to pay for the cost of
resolving it, not the insurance industry, who are already
contributing to resolving the problem under particular policies
covering structural defects.
It is expected the enactment of the Bill will be a contentious
matter. It remains to be seen whether it will be challenged
in the courts.
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