Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 313: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has conducted an investigation into the use of pyrite in construction here; if a ban has been in place on the use of this material as is the case in countries such as Canada; if he has satisfied himself that possible sources of this material have been properly identified in order that this material could not inadvertently get into the supply chain; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9505/08]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I refer to the reply to Question No. 190 of 27 February, 2008.

Pyrite is a commonly occurring mineral in rock. It is not used in isolation, but may occur in rock and products containing rock used in construction. In many situations and at acceptable concentrations, rock containing pyrite does not pose a problem and a general ban on pyrite would not be appropriate. However, in certain conditions, oxidation of pyrite and further chemical reaction between the oxidation products and other components of underfloor filling can occur, leading to a volume increase, causing the floor slabs to lift and crack, and with a knock-on effect of distorting walls etc.

The national Building Regulations set out the legal requirements for the construction of new buildings (including houses), extensions to and material alterations of existing buildings and certain material changes of use of existing buildings.

Part C of the Regulations sets out the legal requirements/ technical guidance for Site Preparation and Resistance to Moisture and stipulates that "the floors, walls and roof of a building shall be so designed and constructed as to prevent the passage of moisture to the inside of the building or damage to the fabric of the building."

Guidance is given in the associated Technical Guidance Document C in relation to the hardcore bed under ground supported concrete floors which states that "The hardcore bed should be at least 150mm thick and should be free from matter liable to cause damage to the concrete".

Having consulted the statutory Building Regulations Advisory Body, my Department, on 16 August 2007, issued circular letter BC 6/2007 to each County Manager and local Building Control Authority to bring the issue to their notice and to request their co-operation in the enforcement of the relevant requirements. The Circular letter also brought to their attention a notice issued by Fingal County Council on 26 July 2007 in relation to this matter.

The certification of products is the responsibility of the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI). When the issue of pyrite arose, and following an intervention from my Department, the NSAI moved quickly to reconvene their Aggregates Panel in order to give urgent consideration to publication of additional guidance in relation to appropriate protocols for testing underfloor infill material. My Department is represented on this Panel, as is the construction industry.

Following a public consultation process, the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) has now published a new Standard Recommendation, which is a definitive amendment to SR 21 — Guidance on the use of (Irish Standard) I.S. EN 13242:2002 — Aggregates for unbound and hydraulically bound materials for use in civil engineering work and road construction, and incorporating amendment 1:2007. The Standard Recommendation came into effect on 7 December 2007. The intention is that it will address the quality standards of underfloor hardcore for new homes by way of guidance given in Clause 3.4.2., and an example specification for unbound granular fill for use under concrete floors in Annex E. It is now my intention to adopt this NSAI Standard Recommendation in the relevant Technical Guidance Document to the Building Regulations.

Responsibility for compliance with the Building Regulations is a matter for the owner and builder of a building. Enforcement of the Regulations is a matter for the 37 local Building Control Authorities which are empowered to carry out inspections and initiate enforcement proceedings when considered necessary. I understand that Fingal County Council has been in direct contact with the developers and the quarry concerned in relation to problems encountered following the use of pyrite as an underfloor infill material in certain developments within its administrative area.