A Clare Government TD insists there should be no more “faffing about” in the delivery of redress for homeowners in Clare whose houses are affected by pyrite.
It follows the publication of a report, which has found ‘irrefutable evidence’ of the mineral in samples taken from homes in this county.
Clare County Council believes that up to 620 homes in this county could be affected by Pyrite, though the Clare Pyrite Action Group say their research has uncovered around one thousand.
Homeowners have been awaiting an answer on whether they’ll be granted acess to the Defective Concrete Block Scheme, which is currently only open for homeowners in Donegal and Mayo.
At the end of last year, the Department of Housing requested further information from Clare County Council, saying the local authority’s submission didn’t contain sufficient evidence that damage to houses here is ‘as a result of pyrite induced expansion’.
Now, the results of a report compiled by Ballina-based engineer Simon Beale and Associates has found what’s been described as ‘irrefutable evidence’ of the mineral in the blockwork.
In all ten samples tested, evidence of pyrite was discovered.
Clare’s Fianna Fáil TD Cathal Crowe is calling on the Housing Minister to grant redress for Clare homeowners in the same timeframe as those in Donegal and Mayo.
The Meelick Deputy believes the robust proof contained in the report, coupled with lab results, should ensure there are no more barriers to providing redress for those affected.
Clare’s Pyrite Action Group is calling for a prompt reponse from the Department of Housing, saying homes in this county are now being hit by the dual forces of pyrite and sulfate attack.
Committee members from the group met with Clare County Council on Friday to discuss the findings from the additional testing.
Chair of the group, Dr. Martina Cleary, who’s home in Crusheen is affected by pyrite, says demolition is now the only option for some homes.
