Fianna Fail Senator Fiona O’Loughlin has welcomed the publication of the report of the working group to examine defects relating to fire safety, structural safety and water ingress in purpose-built apartment and duplex buildings constructed in Ireland between 1991 and 2013.
The report estimates that of apartments and duplexes (or associated common areas) constructed between 1991 and 2013, the number that may be affected by one or more defects (i.e. fire safety-, structural safety- and water ingress defects) is likely to range between 50% and 80%. This equates to between 62,500 and 100,000 apartments/duplexes.
Senator O’Loughlin said, “This is a significant report, running to 230 pages and it is a review I have called for repeatedly since the devastating fire in Millfield in 2015.”
“We know that the reason the 6 homes were ravaged by fire in 15 minutes was due to noncompliance with building regulations, and we need to do what we can to ensure that all properties in Kildare and indeed around the country are safe and fit for purpose.”
“The Working Group estimates that the average cost of undertaking the remediation of defects is likely to be approximately €25,000 per apartment/duplex. This translates into a potential overall total remediation cost ranging from approximately €1.56 billion to €2.5 billion. I believe we need to see a scheme for homeowners to avail of to ensure that the homes people are buying and are living in are up to scratch.”
Fiona concluded by saying “I will be working with my colleague the Minister for Housing Darragh O’Brien to see action on the back of this report.”
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