The government has approved an initial allocation of €10 million in funding to repair homes affected by pyrite. Additional money will be provided for the remediation scheme over the next two years.
Pyrite is a natural mineral which has caused subsidence and cracks in some properties in Dublin, Meath, Kildare and Offaly.
It is estimated that 1,000 homes will require immediate work, while up to 11,000 others are deemed to be at risk.
The Minister for the Environment Phil Hogan said "While this has not been an easy task having regard to budgetary constraints in the current climate, I am pleased to announce that the Government has approved €10 million initial funding to kick start the scheme, and additional funding will be allocated over the next two years from the Capital Stimulus Programme in early 2014".
The new arrangements will mean that more complex structures that were originally proposed for the delivery of the scheme - involving the establishment of a not-for-profit company - are no longer required.
The Minister added "I had hoped that there would be more solid progress for affected homeowners, in terms of applications being processed and remediation works commenced. As with Priory Hall however, complex legal issues had to be addressed before a resolution could be finalised".
"I am acutely aware of the long wait that many affected homeowners have had to endure in waiting for solutions to the pyrite problems in their homes. It has not been an easy time for those people and I understand how stressful such situations can be but I want to assure those homeowners that it has always been and, will continue to be, a high priority for me to bring about a final resolution to this problem as quickly as possible" the Minister concluded.
Peter Lewis is from the Pyrite Action Group and is welcoming the decision.
