Distressed downgraded homeowners write to Minister over ‘unacceptable’ delays

A group of defective concrete homeowners who have been downgraded in the State redress scheme have issued an urgent appeal to the Housing Minister to intervene on their behalf.

The homeowners have written to Minister James Browne, highlighting how they have faced ‘unacceptable’ delays, with some families left waiting in limbo for more than two years for a resolution from the Defective Concrete Appeals Panel.

The letter to the Minister has been signed by thirty distressed homeowners, who are concerned that they have been recommended for wholly inadequate remediation measures that aren’t based on the latest science.

It reads as follows: “We, the undersigned homeowners, write to you directly regarding the continued failure of the Defective Concrete Appeals Panel to issue determinations on long-outstanding appeals and the absence of any clear timeframe for decisions.”

“Many families have now been waiting for more than two years without resolution, meaningful updates, or basic communication. This level of delay is unacceptable. An appeals process that cannot deliver timely outcomes is not functioning as a genuine route to redress.”

“The impact is severe and ongoing. Homeowners whose properties were downgraded remain unable to repair, sell, insure, or refinance their homes. These are real financial losses and personal hardships caused directly by the absence of decisions.”

“It is particularly distressing that, in the few cases progressed to date, matters have been referred back to the Housing Agency for further IS465 review and testing; once again placing families into the system that created this crisis and extending uncertainty for many more months.”

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“Homeowners have repeatedly attempted to engage with the Chair of the Appeals Panel by email and by post, seeking basic information on the status of their appeals. Those communications have been ignored time and time again. The absence of any response or acknowledgement has deepened distress and undermined confidence in the fairness and credibility of the entire process.”

“We cannot accept that responsibility lies elsewhere because the Panel is described as ‘independent.’ The Appeals Panel operates under statutory arrangements established by your Department; it remains ultimately accountable to you for its performance. Furthermore, homeowners are entitled to expect accountability, engagement, and timely outcomes from a structure created under your remit.”

“We therefore ask you and the Department to intervene as a matter of urgency to ensure: A clear explanation for the ongoing delays; Immediate status updates to all appellants; Firm timeframes for the delivery of outstanding determinations; and Assurance that any cases referred back will not result in further open-ended delay.”

“Homeowners have shown patience for far too long. Confidence in this process can only be restored through transparency, communication, and decisive action. We urge you to treat this matter with the urgency it demands.”