Fine Gael TD for Dublin Fingal, Alan Farrell, has said that measures contained in Budget 2016 clearly illustrate the Government’s strong commitment to assisting homeowners affected by pyrite.
“As someone who has campaigned vigorously on behalf of the owners of pyritic homes, I am pleased with the measures contained in the Budget. There has been a significant increase in funding and the qualifying criteria for reliefs from the Local Property Tax for owners of homes severely impacted by pyrite will be eased.
“Funding for pyrite remediation has been increased to €19 million in 2016. This is up from €10 million in 2015. The amount spent in 2014 was €2.2 million. This is an increase of more than 850% in two years.
“This will allow us do far more remediation projects far quicker and advance remediation across the board. This will be of huge benefit to those affected by pyrite.
“It is positive that the current exemption for pyritic homes with a damage rating of ‘2’ or ‘1 with progression’ will be continued. However, I am delighted that, in cases where a property has been accepted for remediation by the Pyrite Resolution Board, where it has been remediated by a guarantee company or developer, or where a person is compensated in lieu of remediation without testing, Revenue will accept confirmation of the remediation or compensation from the Pyrite Resolution Board or the relevant party for exemption from the property tax. In these cases, the exemption will be granted without the property having been tested or having NSAI certification.
“Some opposition members have questioned the Government’s commitment to helping people affected by pyrite. Budget 2016 disproves their claims. We will continue to ensure funds are there to eradicate the nightmare of pyrite for affected families. I remain committed to working with Minister Coffey to address the situation whereby homeowners whose homes have a category ‘1’ rating are not currently provided with an adequate level of support.”