Homes impacted by defective blocks could rise - research

New research suggests the number of homes affected by defective concrete blocks could be greater than initially thought.

An analysis of housing estates in Donegal, Mayo, Clare and Limerick indicates the estimated number of properties built with defective blocks could rise to 20,000.

The research by Petrolab, a British-based specialist mineralogical consultancy, was presented to TDs and senators at Leinster House this afternoon and has been previously shared at a specialist conference in Connecticut in America.

Earlier this year, the County and City Management Association told the Oireachtas Housing Committee the number of homes impacted by defective blocks stood at 9,500.

This figure included 6,500 properties in Co Donegal, 1,100 in Co Mayo, 860 in Co Clare, 700 in Co Limerick and at least 300 in Co Sligo.

However, new research led by Dr Chris Brough suggests the estimated number of homes in Donegal which fall into a high-risk category could rise to 12,000.

The same study suggests there could be 1,000 affected properties in Mayo, 4,500 in Clare and 2,500 in Limerick.

The figures are based on analysis of 23 private estates in Donegal, 10 in each of Mayo and Clare, and five in Limerick where every house in that estate tested for defective blocks so far has recorded high-risk properties for deleterious materials.

The final 20,000 figures exclude data from social housing, businesses and business-residential duplex buildings - with researchers suggesting the final figure could rise again when these property types are taken into consideration.

Latest figures from Donegal County Council show 3,817 homeowners have registered for the defective blocks grant scheme in the county, with remediation works completed on 371 properties to date. 1,502 homeowners have received approval for a grant.

The report also notes properties impacted by defective blocks in Monaghan, Louth, Wexford, Carlow, Kilkenny, Meath and Dublin.

The presentation of the research comes ahead of a Dáil motion on the defective blocks remediation scheme tomorrow from the leader of the 100% Redress Party, Charles Ward.

The Donegal TD is calling for an independent international review of the science underpinning the decision to retain foundations in houses with deleterious materials, as well as greater protections for homeowners facing long-term structural uncertainty.

The scale of the defective blocks crisis has grown substantially since a government commissioned report in 2017 initially identified issues in Donegal and Mayo.

Large scale demonstrations this month five years ago, sparked a process which ultimately led to an enhanced grant scheme for affected homeowners.

Some property owners remained unhappy with the scheme, arguing it stopped short of motions passed in Dáil calling for 100% redress for those with crumbling homes.

Last week, the Dáil voted to add homes in Carlow to the scheme, having already moved earlier this year to bring properties in Wexford and Dublin under the process.