Bill to establish €2bn remediation scheme for apartments and duplexes with defects

It is believed that between 50 per cent and 80 per cent of apartments and duplexes constructed between 1991 and 2013 may be affected by one or more fire safety, structural safety or water ingress defects — between 62,500 and 100,000 apartments/duplexes.

The average cost of remediation is approximately €25,000 per unit, which means remediation could cost the State between €1.5 billion and €2.5 billion.

The Apartment and Duplex Defects Remediation Bill 2024 will provide a statutory basis for the establishment of the remediation scheme, which is aimed at protecting the safety and welfare of those living in apartments or duplexes with such defects.

Under the proposed legislation, 100 per cent of eligible remediation costs will be covered.

Housing minister Darragh O’Brien said: “I’m delighted to get Cabinet approval which means my Department will now draft the necessary legislation as a matter of priority.

“I am very aware of the stress and concern that many owners of apartments and duplexes are facing as a result of legacy defects. Having engaged with many owners I know the financial and personal strain this is putting on their lives and I am glad we are moving forward with this next step.”

He added: “While this legislation is being progressed I want to remind owners that the interim remediation scheme for emergency fire safety works remains open and I want to thank the Housing Agency for their work with this scheme and guiding developments through the process.

“I also want to thank the representative groups, the Apartment Owners Network, the Construction Defects Alliance and the Not Our Fault Campaign for their ongoing engagement.”

The government is also pursing separate legislation to establish a new Building Standards Regulatory Authority to “ensure effective powers of inspection and enforcement and an appropriate suite of sanctions”, the minister said.