Government urged to ‘urgently proceed’ with Defective Concrete Blocks Grant Scheme review after revised I.S. 465 standard publication
The Irish Government has been urged to ‘urgently proceed’ with the review of the Defective Concrete Blocks Grant Scheme, following the publication of the revised I.S. 465 standard.
I.S. 465 is the official technical standard for assessing damaged buildings with defective concrete and the publication begins a review process of the scheme.
100% Redress Party TD Charles Ward, while welcoming the publication, noted how while it is positive that the new standard gives a clearer technical route, it does not, as yet, change the scheme.
Deputy Ward also welcomed the ‘significant scientific progress reflected in the revised standard’ and said the progress has been ‘driven by years of campaigning by affected homeowners together with the work of engineers, geologists, researchers, public representatives, and scientific experts who fought to ensure the realities facing families were properly recognised.’
"Special thanks must be given to homeowner and scientist Professor Paul Dunlop together with Dr Andreas Leemann and their colleagues for their important contribution in advancing research and understanding in this area. I also want to acknowledge the continued work of my colleagues and team in the 100% Redress Party who have worked tirelessly alongside affected homeowners throughout this campaign.
“The revised standard reflects a more advanced understanding of the complex causes of concrete block deterioration, including the role of iron sulfides, free mica, moisture, and long term degradation processes. The inclusion of more detailed testing and petrographic analysis is an important step forward.
“I also note the sections relating to foundations, where the standard acknowledges that uncertainty remains regarding long term performance in some circumstances. It is important that a precautionary and consistent approach is applied where risks are identified.
“Visible damage thresholds remain part of the grouping system, including crack widths measured in millimetres and other observable indicators of deterioration. “However, these visible measurements should not be the sole or primary basis on which the science of building degradation is understood or concluded.
“At the same time, the standard relies on professional judgement at a number of stages including inspection, sampling, testing, and classification. Because these decisions can have major consequences for homeowners, consistency, transparency, and independent oversight will be extremely important in how the standard is applied in practice.
“Ultimately, affected homeowners need confidence that the system will deliver fair assessments and durable long term solutions.”
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Housing, Eoin Ó Broin TD, has described the changes by the National Standards Authority of Ireland to the I.S. 465 standard, as ‘welcome and long overdue’.
The Dublin Mid-West TD called on the Minister for Housing to move as a matter of urgency to address the ‘many failings’ of the Defective Concrete Block Grant Scheme to ensure that impacted homeowners get 100% redress.
Teachta Ó Broin said: “We need a redress scheme that is based on science that we can trust.”
He, too, commended Professor Dunlop and the research team at Ulster University, as well as their international peers and added how it was also ‘a vindication of the Downgraded Homeowners campaign group in Donegal and their ‘refusal to accept the Housing Agency’s decision to overrule recommendations from qualified engineers for the demolition of their homes.’
"These decisions were based on the now discredited I.S. 465: 2018 standard and they flew in the face of the emerging scientific evidence, causing deep anguish and long delays to already traumatised families.
Teachta Ó Broin continued: “The Government now needs to urgently proceed with the review of the Defective Concrete Blocks Grant Scheme, and it needs to clarify the process for appointing a chairperson and what the terms of reference will be.”