'Turning point for homeowners' – Mayo opposition TD welcomes revised defective blocks standard
Speaking on the changes, Deputy Conway-Walsh stated that the redress scheme is based on science and is one that can be trusted.
A Mayo TD has expressed her welcome for the ‘long overdue’ changes by the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) to the I.S. 465 standard that underpins the Defective Concrete Blocks Grant Scheme.
Sinn Féin TD Rose Conway-Walsh has described the changes as an important step forward and has renewed calls for a 100 percent redress scheme for impacted homeowners.
Speaking on the changes, Deputy Conway-Walsh stated that the redress scheme is based on science and is one that can be trusted.
“The long overdue publication of the revised IS465 standard is welcome and will provide much-needed clarity for homeowners, engineers and local authorities dealing with defective concrete blocks.
“Furthermore, Mayo families have been left in limbo, living in damaged homes, and the process has taken too long.
“The uncertainty surrounding the review has added to the immense stress and anxiety already being experienced by homeowners who have spent years fighting for recognition, answers and support. The whole process of testing and application approval, demolition and rebuild must now speed up,” she added.
The Mayo TD extended a commendation to Professor Paul Dunlop and the research team at Ulster University, as well as their international peers, for their work regarding the issue.
She stated that they “have demonstrated that the real cause of our crumbling homes in Ireland is internal sulphite from the excessive presence of iron sulphite minerals, rather than the now-discredited mica freeze-thaw theory.”
Additionally, she stated that it is also a vindication of the Downgraded Homeowners campaign group in Mayo and their refusal to accept the Housing Agency’s decision to overrule recommendations from qualified engineers for the demolition of their homes.
“These decisions were based on the now-discredited I.S. 465:2018 standard, and they flew in the face of the emerging scientific evidence, causing deep anguish and long delays to already traumatised families,” she added.
Speaking on behalf of her colleagues in Sinn Féin, she stated that their position remains unchanged.
“Homeowners impacted by defective concrete blocks must receive genuine 100 percent redress. Families should not be left carrying any of the financial burden for a crisis they did not create.
“The revised IS465 standard must mark a turning point. Government now has an opportunity – and an obligation – to address the shortcomings in the DCB Grant Scheme, remove the barriers facing applicants and finally deliver the 100% redress that all impacted homeowners in Mayo deserve,” she added.