Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Solidarity)
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170. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government for an update on the interim funding for multi-unit development defects remediation; the total number of schemes that have applied; the schemes approved; the total number of units involved in each scheme; the moneys approved, allocated and spent to date in 2025; and when works are expected to commence and conclude on each approved project. [30913/25]

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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The Interim Remediation Scheme (Scheme) was opened in December 2023 for the funding of emergency fire safety defect works in apartments and duplexes, constructed between 1991 and 2013. A total of €20 million was allocated to this area for 2025.

The Scheme provides for the full funding of eligible interim measures in order to provide an acceptable level of fire safety in buildings, pending completion of the full remedial works under the forthcoming Statutory Scheme. In light of their existing legal responsibilities and ownership of common areas, Owners’ Management Companies will be funded to carry out the works.

As of 31 May 2025, a total of 207 applications are being progressed across 29 local authority areas, representing a total of 19,574 residential units. Circa 77% of units affected are located in the four Dublin local authority areas.

To support the implementation and increase the efficiency of the Interim Remediation Scheme, four pathfinder projects are currently underway. The projects have been selected from applications made to the Scheme, representing 595 residential units. The pathfinder process, which will also inform the development of the Statutory Scheme, is facilitating the design of templates and standards for documents to be prepared by Competent Professionals, including procurement arrangements, proposals for fire safety assessments, fire safety risk assessments, interim measures, remedial work plans, and other project-related paperwork.

As part of the learnings from the pathfinder process, I am aware that The Housing Agency is currently revising the Interim Remediation Scheme to ensure it better aligns with EU and National Public Procurement requirements. A Press Release issued from The Housing Agency on 13 February 2025 and letters were issued to the four pathfinder projects and the other Scheme applicants, detailing the implications and next steps.

Grant agreements for the funding of the Competent Professionals engaged by the four pathfinder OMCs have been issued by the Housing Agency. As of Friday 16 May 2025, one contract has been executed and funding has issued in the amount of €200,000.

Upon execution of a grant agreement, a Competent Builder may be procured by the Competent Professional using the eTenders public procurement platform. The appointed Competent Builder will be required to carry out the necessary eligible interim remediation fire safety works under a Public Works Contract.

Remedial works on one of the pathfinder projects is expected to commence in the next six to eight weeks.

Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Solidarity)
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171. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government his plans to legislate for and implement a comprehensive remediation scheme, including retrospective payments, for defective apartments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30914/25]

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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The drafting of the Apartment and Duplex Defects Remediation Bill is progressing. Various issues requiring legal advice are under consideration. The Bill is included in the Government Legislation Summer Programme 2025 and I intend to seek Government approval to publish shortly. Subject to this approval, the General Scheme will be made available to undergo pre-legislative scrutiny.

The Statutory Scheme is expected to be in place later this year. The Statutory Scheme will provide supports for the remediation of relevant fire safety, structural safety and water ingress defects in purpose-built apartment buildings, including duplexes, constructed between 1991 and 2013. It is envisaged that 100% of eligible remediation costs will be funded under the Scheme.

On 22 October 2024 the Government agreed the establishment of a Retrospective Costs Pathfinder Exercise from a representative sample of multi-unit developments, in order to identify and develop a potential appropriate process to address retrospective issues, based on fire safety remedial works completed.

Specifically, it will be necessary to fully examine and build a robust process around:

• Alignment with existing Interim Remediation Scheme process;
• Supporting Documentation and Timeframe;
• Certification, Standardisation of Evidence;
• Verification and Payment Processes.

It was agreed that Cabinet would be briefed on the outcome of the exercise before any retrospective payments are made.

On 28 March 2025, application documentation was sent to eight Owner Management Companies (OMCs), for return to The Housing Agency by 2 May 2025. At the request of the OMCs, this return date was extended to Friday 16 May 2025. The Housing Agency is currently reviewing the documentation received.