Cabinet commitment to pyrite home repairs

THE government has signed off in principal on a grant aid scheme to assess and repair pyrite affected homes in Co. Mayo, Minister Michael Ring has announced.

Minister Ring was joined at a Cabinet meeting in Government Buildings in Dublin today by Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government, Eoghan Murphy, who reported on the potential scale of a programme to examine homes and to begin work.

There are over 300 homes in Mayo affected by pyrite.

Commented Minister Ring: “I have always been committed to this cause and I am delighted that we have now secured Cabinet approval for a scheme. In early September, An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, made a commitment to create a state-aided repair scheme. “Today’s decision at Cabinet is living up to that commitment.

“Work will start immediately on the design of the scheme. It is an exceptional measure.”

He continued: “There are approximately 350 homes in Mayo which are affected by pyrite. Last year, I visited Geesala with Minister for Housing and Urban Renewal, Damien English, and Councillor Gerry Coyle to explore the issue and I am delighted that we now have resolution on this matter.

“This has been a long road for the many families living with this issue and we hope now that this gives them some peace of mind and assurance.”

Minister Ring said further details of the scheme are to be confirmed by Ministers Murphy and English in the coming weeks.