Request for change to SEAI grants for pyrite-affected homes

MAYO County Council has been asked to request a policy change from SEAI in relation to energy grants for home-owners affected by pyrite.

As it stands, Councillor Mark Duffy explained, homeowners must rebuild their homes first before being eligible for grants, instead of being able to receive grants to carry out the works during reconstruction.

In response to his notice of motion, Councillor Duffy was told: 'The building regulations apply to the construction of new buildings, extensions and material alterations to new buildings.

'The five remedial options provided under the defective concrete block scheme constitutes a material alteration to an existing building (as opposed to a new build).

'We will contact the SEAI to clarify the above, and to request a policy change as requested.'

Councillor Duffy said it is estimated that 1,000 homes in Mayo will be affected by pyrite over the coming years.

There were other issues that families would have to deal with while rebuilding homes, such as storage of their home contents, which he wondered if the council could help with.

And he suggested a mortgage moratorium as they will have to pay rent while their homes are being rebuilt.

“This is a big issue affecting families in Mayo,” he said. “Can we help make it as painless as possible for these families.”

The question of planning permission for people who have to rebuild homes was again raised by Belmullet-based Councillor Gerry Coyle, where many of the affected homes are located.

What happens if there are issues raised about septic tanks or percolation areas or someone objects to a person rebuilding their house, he asked.

There should be no planning, said Councillor Coyle. It should, he suggested, be dealt with through the council's own part 8 planning process.