“Delay after delay” - Mayo pyrite crisis rears head in Dáil Éireann

The Joint Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage met twice in Leinster House on Tuesday, February 10 to examine progress on the Defective Concrete Blocks (DCB) redress scheme and hear from Government officials, State agencies and campaign representatives, including the Mayo Pyrite Action Group.

However, key questions around appeals processing times, testing results, grant increases and insurance requirements remain unanswered following the hearings.

Mayo Sinn Féin TD Rose Conway-Walsh raised concerns on behalf of families in the county whose homes have been severely damaged by pyrite and defective concrete blocks.

She said officials could not provide a definitive timeline for processing appeals relating to DCB damage threshold assessments. There was also no clarity on how long homeowners must wait for testing results following inspections.

Crucially, it was confirmed that legislation to deliver the promised 10 percent increase in the DCB grant has still not been finalised — meaning homeowners cannot yet apply for the additional funding through their local authority.

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“It is most disappointing to hear was that the legislation for the 10 percent DCB grant increase still hasn’t been finalised and affected homeowners still cannot make an application to their local authority,” Deputy Conway-Walsh shared after the meeting. “Delay after delay for homeowners yet again.”

She also revealed that Department officials were unaware that some insurance companies are seeking evidence of new foundations and engineer reports before offering cover on rebuilt homes — another potential barrier for families already under pressure.

Committee Leas-Chathaoirleach Deputy Seamus McGrath described defective concrete blocks as a major housing challenge, particularly in the west and northwest.

“Defective concrete blocks represent a significant housing challenge in Ireland, impacting thousands of homeowners, particularly in the west and northwest. Caused by excessive levels of mica and pyrite, these materials compromise structural safety and long-term habitability,” he declared. 

For many Mayo families, however, Tuesday’s hearing offered little reassurance, and no firm timelines.