Downgraded defective concrete homeowners escalate decisions to the EU Commission

A group of 86 defective block homeowners, who have had their government-approved engineer's recommendation for remediation overturned by The Housing Agency, have escalated their case to The EU Commission.

Despite attempts to engage with The Housing Agency to try and understand the rationale behind these downgrade decisions, no transparency has been provided, and no appeals have been heard.

Marti McElhinney, a leading figure in the downgraded group, said: "We have tried to work with the Housing Agency to resolve this impasse. This group of homeowners are being subject to untold stress and anxiety as they are being denied the opportunity to remedy their homes and move on with their lives.

"The EU Commission has opened infringement proceedings against Ireland for its failure to implement the EU Concrete Products Directive. This directive is very specific in defining allowable limits of minerals such as mica, pyrite and pyrrhotite in concrete blocks for construction.

Despite this, the Housing Agency have failed to consider the presence of Pyrrhotite in these homes and has reverted to determinations by the IS465 registered chartered engineers to demolish these homes, and instead leave defective blocks in place that the EU defines as not fit for construction."

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This group of homeowners includes families with children and elderly citizens. Mr McElhinney went on to say: "The EU Charter of Fundamental Rights protects the rights of the child and the elderly.

“As a result of the excessive delays due to these downgrade decisions, children are being forced to remain in these homes. These homes are, in many cases, covered with toxic black mould. They are next to impossible to heat due to the extent of the damage to the load-bearing construction. Families not impacted by the crisis are wary of letting their children visit these homes for celebratory occasions due to health concerns.

“The Government response does not afford Children the right to such protection and care as is necessary for their well-being.

“Our elderly citizens have a right to a life of dignity and independence. The Irish Government's response to this crisis has trapped these vulnerable citizens in defective homes with no means to escape. It is both inhumane and disrespectful to this particular cohort of Irish people to abandon them at such a late stage in their lives. Special thanks to MEP Luke Ming Flanagan, his team, and "The Left" for their continued support in highlighting this issue at EU Level.”