Govt needs to help resolve pyrite nightmare in homes

If, as was claimed during a protest demonstration in Dublin last Friday, there are 60,000 mainly residential properties throughout the State affected by pyrite damage, then a a very stressful time lies ahead for homeowners, including a number in County Meath. Pyrite, otherwise known as 'Fool's Gold', is a mineral in rock which swells when it comes into contact with water. The mineral pyriote, or iron pyrite, is an iron sulfide and its metallic lustre and pale-to-normal, brass-yellow hue, has given it a sheen similar to that in gold. It was used in the foundations of some houses and apartment blocks during the years of the construction boom and it manifests itself by causing progressive structural damage to properties. The homeowners protesting at the offices of Homebond, an insurance provider covering instances of structural damage to properties, were from Ashbourne, Santry, Blanchardstown and Balbriggan and an organisation aimed at highlighting the issue - the Pyrite Action Campaign - has been formed by residents from Meath, Louth, Dublin, Offaly and Kildare. The problem first showed up in this area in 2008 when residents of two homes in Veldon Park, Kentstown, complained of serious creeping damage to their homes caused by pyrite. An inspection of the properties showed the interiors resembling something skin to a war zone with floors rising up, doors jamming and deep splits appearing in the plasterwork and blockwork. From the very beginning, it was obvious that serious structural changes were taking place in the homes, causing the residents untold stress. It was also clear that the families would not be able to continue to live in the houses because parts of them had become unusable, and dangerous. Court proceedings followed and there was intense lobbying of political parties in an attempt to have the issue resolved. Meanwhile, one of the families had to move into rented accommodation at a cost at that time of €1,200 to €1,300 a month. Meath East Fine Gael TD Shane McEntee was asked by the residents to intervene on their behalf with Homebond and mediation talks in January last year resulted in a settlement of the cases. One of the residents said he was absolutely delighted that a settlement had been reached and that he and his family were at last going to be able to get on with their lives after more than 18 months of "torture". The result in the mediation in those cases meant that Homebond agreed to assess the situation, come to a conclusion and then appoint a contractor to carry out the remedial work. However, the matter does not lie there. Residents taking part in last Friday's protest in Dublin complained of cracks and bulging in the walls of their homes, swelling of floors, doors that would not open, cracked tiles and fittings that came away from the walls. The dilemma faced by householders was clearly outlined by campaign committee member, Peter Lewis, who said that some people had been quoted between €40,000 and €80,000 for the work needed to repair their homes, yet had been offered just €8,000 to €9,000 by the insurer. Jennifer Doyle from Ashwood, Ashbourne, described subsidence in her home, with the wall next to the stairs bellying, a bedroom door that could not be opened, and cracks inside and outside the house. Up to €26,000 was needed to take out the pyrite and replace it with a proper foundation. This does not include the cost of having to move out and have the house repaired and renovated. Homebond offered her €7,996.06. People had depended on the Homebond guarantee to cover them but now find that it is inundated with claims for damaged houses. It has said the company had never envisaged a situation like that created by pyrite and the policies were not set up to deal with it. There was a finite pot of money to cover each development and it had to be divided between all the claims made within that development and any future claims, the firm said. At the time of the Kentstown damage, then Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny visited the homes to see them for himself. He is aware of the crisis facing families who started off with dream homes and have ended up with a nightmare. It will not be enough to say that this is properly a matter between the residents and the insurer. It is not an adequate answer for these families. This is a problem that needs to be taken by the scruff of the neck and dealt with. The Taoiseach should now tell his Minister for the Environment Phil Hogan to get on the case and deal with it.