United Left Alliance to present private members motion on building regulations in the Dáil today
Radical change needed to prevent future pyrite and fire hazard scandals
Major programme of remedial works initiated by the state but ultimately funded by developers and builders proposed
At today’s press conference address by the ULA TDs and Peter Lewis, chair of the Pyrite Action Group, Clare Daly TD said:
“The inspiration for this motion came from the work we have been engaged in alongside residents in estates built during the building boom. It has become clear that the light regulation approach in the financial sector was also the guiding philosophy of the previous government when it came to building regulations.
“The legacy of estates affected by pyrite and apartment complexes being evacuated because of inadequate fire prevention measures is an indictment on the construction sector but the political establishment over which the major builders and speculators wielded enormous influence.”
Richard Boyd Barrett TD said
“The shoddy building regulations that are obvious from scandals such as priory hall are just another example, if we needed one after the Mahon report, that Irish governments throughout the Celtic Tiger and before prioritised the interests of land speculators, developers and the construction industry above the interests of families and individuals. We need to see immediate action on the recommendations of the Mahon report and an end to lip-service from this government”
Joan Collins TD said
“The lack of regulation, that allows people to live in potential fire traps, pyrite riddled or mould and damp infested homes is simply unacceptable. There is a real need for government led investment in areas like Dolphin House, Priory Hall etc that will allow people to lead decent lives in decent homes. This state has been captured over the years by various vested interests such as the construction lobby, it is time that the Government stood up for the people instead of vested interests.
“This bill calls for proper regulation of building controls and I fully support it. We never want to see another Priory Hall or Dolphin House type scenario again. We also want to deal with those kind of situations now. The fact that this government still supports inadequate checks on the building sector is indicative of the lack of change we have had in this country.”
Joe Higgins TD said:
“The nightmare of being tied to 30 and 40 year mortgages is compounded for thousands of homeowners by the fact that their home is literally coming apart at the seams or in the case of Belmayne and Priory Hall is considered a fire trap.
“The motion calls on the government to take matter in hand by initiating a major programme of remedial works in all estates affected by the issues addressed in this motion. Initial funding must come from the exchequer to expedite matters but it is absolutely right that the builders and speculators should be chased so that the tax payer can recoup the cost from those who carry the greatest responsibility for this scandal.”