Taoiseach Simon Harris is set to engage with the Housing Minister on calls for action on the latest research into Donegal’s defective concrete crisis.
The Mica Action Group is campaigning for remediation recommendations to be reviewed to take into account the scientific research commissioned by the Geological Survey of Ireland.
The study, published last year, has found that the primary cause of defective concrete decay is internal sulphate attack, rather than mica freeze/thaw. It also consistently identified pyrrhotite within the strip foundations examined from affected buildings.
Despite the information being provided to the Department of Housing and the National Standards Authority of Ireland, pyrrhotite is not being recognised and many homeowners are not being granted full rebuilds.
Independent TD Thomas Pringle brought the issue to the attention of the Taoiseach yesterday and said: “The Minister for Housing and the National Standards Authority of Ireland continue to say that there is no evidence that pyrrhotite is the cause of defective blocks in Donegal, not mica as it had been attributed to.”
Deputy Pringle pointed out that the GSI survey says it is clear from the independent work done by each research partner that internal sulphate attack as a result of excessive pyrrhotite is the primary cause of the most serious damage seen within the affected properties across Donegal.
“This is from studies carried out by RSK, Petrolab and the Ulster University consortium, yet the Department does not acknowledge this and allows families to continue to be approved for partial remediation,” he said.
Deputy Pringle called on the Taoiseach to instruct the Department to use up-to-date science when operating this scheme “so that homeowners can get a result they can have faith in” and have their homes repaired so they do not need to be examined again.
Mr Harris replied: “I know the huge stress and strain this issue has caused so many families in the Deputy’s county and others.”
The Taoiseach added that he would “look specifically into the information” and engage with the Housing Minister, Deputy Darragh O’Brien.
