Clare homeowners affected by pyrite are calling on the Housing Minister to visit the county to see the damage caused by the mineral first hand.
It comes as the local authority has issued a detailed submission to Minister Darragh O’Brien’s department justifying the extension of the Defective Concrete Block Scheme to Clare.
As part of the submission made by Clare County Council, the test results from five properties confirming the presence of pyrite in this county were included as well as a map indicating the location of both confirmed and potential cases.
It’s estimated 50 houses and two estates in Clare are impacted by the mineral.
Reacting to the news, founder of the Clare Pyrite Action Group, Dr. Martina Cleary is now calling on this county’s Oireachtas members to ensure homeowners here aren’t ignored.
The Crusheen resident insists local representatives should show similar resolve to former Fianna Fáil Minister Dara Calleary who threatened to quit the party unless full redress was offered to his constituents.
Martina’s own home is now ranked as Category Four in terms of damage from the mineral, which means the house will need to be demolished.
She says the impacts of ‘toxic stress’ on affected homeowners are having devastating effects.
Echoing Martina’s sentiments on the mental strain in dealing with pyrite damage, Sixmilebridge native Michelle Mansfield is calling for Housing Minister Darragh O’Brien to witness the impact of the situation in person.
Michelle’s house is currently identified as having category three damage, however it’s deteriorating quickly.
She and her husband have been trying to carry out remedial work to delay the spread of the cracks in their home ahead of winter.
