Fine Gael TD for Dublin North Alan Farrell has welcomed the announcement by Environment Minister Phil Hogan that his department will be establishing an Independent Working Group to facilitate homeowners affected by pyrite.
“ ‘Having experienced the issue with my own home, I have been through almost five years of strife and worry that came with the discovery of pyrite. Along with hundreds of households in Dublin North, I know first hand that dealing with the significant amount of misinformation and misleading advice that seems to surround the issue is very difficult for anyone in this situation to contend with.’
“I welcome the formation of an independent expert group that will have the interests of the homeowners in mind, and that despite the government having no legal liability in this matter, it is committed to acting as a facilitator to find a resolution for the issue.
“The working group will consist of An Independent Chairperson alongside appropriate experts who will call in all relevant bodies involved, including Homebond, developers, quarries and the Construction Industry Federation. However the group will also be instructed to engage with affected homeowners and associations.
“Earlier this year, I called on the Minister to ensure that preventative measures were published so as to protect new homeowners from this epidemic, which resulted in the improvements of building regulations. It is now essential that in every estate where homes are affected by pyrite that the householders unite together, become organised and make a comprehensive submission to the Working Group.
“I would urge all resident groups in Dublin North to engage fully and positively with the new Working Group. Although I do believe that this is a positive forward, I am also aware that very serious questions need to be asked by this group to determine how this can resolved. However I am committed to ensuring that representatives from Dublin North will have the opportunity to fully engage with the process.”