New Mayo TD welcomes review of pyrite redress scheme in programme for government

NEWLY-elected Mayo TD Keira Keogh has welcomed the inclusion of a review into the Defective Concrete Block Redress Scheme in the programme for government. 

The document - currently being finalised as Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael and Independent TDs are set to form a coalition government - has pledged a full review into the redress scheme for homeowners affected by mica and pyrite. 

Deputy Keogh said that families that are afflicted with pyrite are “enduring unimaginable financial, physical, emotional, and mental pressures as they face the challenges of crumbling homes - through no fault of their own.”

The Fine Gael TD noted that, while ‘improvements have been made to the defective blocks remediation scheme in recent years, there are still significant gaps and flexibility needed’. 

These concerns have been highlighted by homeowners in Westport’s Páirc na Coille, where numerous homes will require total demolition due to pyrite. 

Many homeowners in the estate have been left with significant out-of-pocket expenses when rebuilding their homes despite receiving compensation under the government’s redress scheme. 

Increases to the rates payable to eligible applicants were announced before the election but have yet to be enacted in legislation. 

In respect of the redress scheme, the Programme for Government has also pledged retrospective payments for defective apartments, to expand the scheme to other counties, and establish a Building Standards Regulatory Authority to strengthen oversight of construction and design standards.

“Fine Gael committed to a full review of the scheme during the election campaign and once elected, I spoke about the importance of this challenge to An Taoiseach Simon Harris directly, and within the parliamentary party meeting,” said Deputy Keogh. 

“I am pleased to see this review now listed in the Programme for Government, and I will continue to push for real, tangible results for those affected.”

Deputy Keogh outlined several critical issues with the scheme raised by constituents during her engagements. 

“One constituent asked if their grant could transfer to their children in the event of their passing due to ongoing illness. These are the kinds of deeply personal concerns that weigh heavily on families affected by this crisis,” she said. 

Other constituents raised questions about downsizing, with retirees asking if they could sell their property with the grant intact to avoid rebuilding a house of the same size.

Concerns about the scheme’s coverage were also highlighted, such as whether defective foundations, attic conversions, and other unique circumstances would be included.

Temporary housing during demolitions and rebuilds, as well as the exclusion of homes with less severe pyrite damage, also emerged as critical issues.

“These are not just policy points—they are real-life struggles,” Deputy Keogh said.

“Until you step into one of these homes and witness the crumbling walls, it’s hard to fully understand the heartbreak these families endure.”