State must cover pyrite cost until responsible parties are brought to account – Ellis

October 2, 2012

Sinn Féin Housing spokesperson Dessie Ellis TD has called on the government to provide funding for repairs to houses in need of immediate works due to pyrite contamination. He made his call during a debate in the Dáil tonight following the deadline for stakeholders to submit possible resolutions to the on-going scandal.

Deputy Ellis said;

“Apart from the residents there is not really any innocent party in this scandal. The state allowed regulations which failed to stop this contamination and failed to legislate to protect citizens from this.

“The quarry failed to identify pyrite contamination as did the construction companies and finally Homebond who washed their hands of the whole situation and behaved incredibly badly.

“There are 850 homes in need immediate work to stop further damage being done. These are the roofs over these families’ heads and action must be taken sooner rather than later.

“At present no resolution is apparent. The state must continue to work for a resolution and to put in place the industry levy to pay for works and monitoring of other contaminated homes which are not in need of work at present.

“But, as I have said, immediate work is necessary and the state must put up the money for this on the basis that those identified as being liable will in the longer term pay back this debt.”

ENDS