The Curse of Defective Concrete (Mica, Pyrrhotite, etc.) in Donegal homes - Read Mod warning Post 1

Interesting Q & A's publication from Donegal Coco which can be read or downloaded here ... https://donegalcoco.ie/media/donegalcountyc/mediahub/documents/Special%20Meeting%209th%20July%202021%20-%20Queries%20%20Responses%2016th%20Sept%202021.pdf

WTF?!

Unlike some of the genius posters here i dont know enough about this to comment either way if the redress is fair or not.

I do wonder why there isnt more being made of the supplier, homebond or the other stakeholders in this but that will come out in time i suppose.

What I do think should be noted and complimented is the way that this group are protesting. They are not getting fobbed off by political talk of reports, or excuses that push the can down the road. The media were very slow to take up this story and the people affected are showing exactly what you need to do for this government to take notice, and fair play to them.

I'd expect there'll streamline the types of houses, 3 or so designs fully costed instead of the all kinds of everything that's there now ,probably be a clawback if the house is sold within a period, Wherever they got the €350k from ,that's mad

On Primetime one of the representatives of this group was stating that it would cost the majority of those affected € 100k more than the € 350k limit that has been suggested, he also stated that some 40% of the properties affected so far were in excess of the € 350k cap.

This would suggest that the rebuild costs of say 30% of the properties are in excess of € 450k (assuming the he means the majority of the 40% are 100k plus over)

Considering the above, it would be very interesting to compare the declared property tax valuations of these homes with reference to the claimed rebuild cost, bearing in mind that the property tax valuation includes the land element.

As my dad said earlier, cap it at peoples declared property value.......

I havent checked but the report was leaked to RTE so it might be on its website.

I have seen the draft Working Group Report - A lot of covering old ground but here is what they are going to consider for improvement in this draft document:

Matters agreed by the working group to be put forward for consideration as improvements to the Scheme in the immediate term:

1. Exempt Development Status - Put in place regulations to confer exempt development status on like for like replacement of DCB homes

2. Financial Barrier to Scheme Entry – Revise application processes so the homeowner is only required to submit a building condition assessment (likely cost €500-750), similar to the PRB scheme, and thereafter the Housing Agency, on behalf of Local Authorities takes on the assessment, testing and categorisation of homes and recommendation of the appropriate remediation option to the LA

3. Methodology for Grant Calculation - To be based on a cost per square foot, discounted as appropriate, to exclude the cost of foundations, betterment, salvage etc. SCSI to be asked to determine the appropriate cost per square foot using their existing rebuild cost indicator for insurance purposes

4. Alternative Accommodation Costs – Agreed in principle but quantum yet agreed.

5. Septic Tanks – Allow subject to an overall expenditure cap of €2,000

6. Expenditure Caps – Increase the current expenditure caps by the agreed alternative accommodation costs for each of the 5 remediation options

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7. State Guarantee – Allow a second grant application for remediation options 2, 3, 4 and 5 if the original blockwork retained in the home after the first remediation subsequently requires replacement. The second grant option to go with the home rather than the homeowner

8. Percentage Grant Awarded – Allow a 100% grant, subject to the revised expenditure caps, for each of the remediation options 2, 3, 4 and 5. These remediation options have some equivalence with the Pyrite Remediation Scheme as they involve repairs to the existing home. Option 1 involves complete demolition to foundation level and rebuild of the home.

So whats being reported in the media this morning looks correct - full demolition is not being included in the 100% grant.

Were the Suppliers and developers of these houses ever brought to court ?

im yet to see anyone from the government grilled on why its gone on so long and why this is happening, what safeguards have failed and what changes to legislation are coming to ensure it isnt going to be repeated. And why after the pyrite problems changes were not made to ensure enforcement of standards.

Sometimes you cant go a week without hearing Tom Mcpharlane from the construction industry federation on the radio, no sign of him talking about this.