Ciarán Ahern (Dublin South West, Labour)
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1182. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government to provide an update on the interim remediation scheme for fire safety defects in apartments and duplexes; whether in the Minister’s view it is in compliance with national and EU procurement law; when homeowners can expect to be repaid under the scheme, and receive confirmation of this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45409/25]

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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The Interim Remediation Scheme was opened in December 2023 for the funding of emergency fire safety defect works in apartments and duplexes constructed between 1991 and 2013. 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 (OMCs) will be funded to carry out the works.

As of 31 July 2025, a total of 214 applications are being progressed across 29 local authority areas, representing a total of 19,774 residential units. Circa 76% of units affected are located in the four Dublin local authority areas. 

To ensure compliance with national and EU procurement law, the OMC will use a Dynamic Purchasing System, established and managed by The Housing Agency, to procure a Competent Professional.  The OMC will also be required to procure a Competent Builder through e-tenders, using a Public Works Contract for all remediation works.

The Government has approved the principle of allowing remediation costs already incurred or levied to be covered under the forthcoming Statutory Scheme.  In this regard, on 22 October 2024 the Government agreed the establishment of a Retrospective Costs Pathfinder Project from a representative sample of multi-unit developments.  The purpose of the exercise is to identify and develop a potential appropriate process to address retrospective issues, based on fire safety remedial works already completed.  The exercise should also inform the drafting of the Statutory Scheme.  It was agreed that Cabinet would be briefed on the outcome of the exercise before any retrospective payments are made.

My Department is progressing the drafting of the Apartment and Duplex Defects Remediation Bill. The General Scheme will be made available to undergo pre-legislative scrutiny as soon as is practicable and I would anticipate this happening in the Dáil Autumn term.