Thomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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205. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if local authorities can apply for the scheme to fix defects in apartments and duplexes. [20256/23]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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I received Government approval on 18 January 2023 to draft legislation to establish supports for the remediation of fire safety, structural safety and water ingress defects in purpose-built apartment buildings, including duplexes, constructed between 1991 and 2013. This legislation will provide a statutory basis for the establishment of a remediation scheme aimed at protecting the safety and welfare of those living in apartments or duplexes with such defects.

It is intended that a whole building approach will be taken to remediate relevant defects and to improve the safety of all occupants in the building. This means that all parts of the building (e.g. the common areas, the individual apartments etc.) must be considered together when addressing defects. In light of their existing legal responsibilities and ownership of common areas, it is envisaged that Owners’ Management Companies (OMCs) will be funded to carry out the necessary remediation works, with specific limitations or exemptions on certain commercial owners. Any funding for local authorities will be considered in this context.

Work is underway to draft the required legislation which will include the scope, eligibility and conditions of the remediation scheme which will become operational following implementation of the required legislation.

While I am working on the development of the scheme as a matter of priority, sufficient time is required to draft the legislation to ensure that the scheme is fit for purpose, provides value for tax payer’s money and contains appropriate oversight and governance measures.