At Owen Reilly, the safety and welfare of our residents are our top priorities. We understand that recent developments regarding fire safety in apartments and duplexes have raised concerns among homeowners and tenants alike. To address these issues, we want to provide you with an overview of the new “Interim Remediation Scheme for Fire Safety Defects in Eligible Apartments and Duplexes,” announced by the Minister for Housing in January 2023.
Understanding the Interim Remediation Scheme
The government is taking significant steps to address fire safety, structural safety, and water ingress defects in buildings constructed between 1991 and 2013. Proposed legislation will establish a statutory Apartment and Duplex Defects Remediation Scheme, aiming to protect those living in affected properties. This scheme will provide the necessary funding to rectify these defects comprehensively.
Given the scale and cost of these remedial works, it’s acknowledged that the full remediation process will take years to complete. Therefore, interim measures are being introduced to ensure an acceptable standard of fire safety until the comprehensive works are finished.
Scope of the Interim Remediation Scheme
Eligible Properties
Properties eligible for the interim scheme include apartments and duplexes built between 1991 and 2013. The scheme focuses on funding emergency fire safety defect works to maintain a basic level of fire safety pending full remedial work.
To qualify, the defects must be due to design, workmanship, or material issues that violated Building Regulations at the time of construction. The scheme does not cover defects arising from poor maintenance, lack of funding for building and safety systems replacement, or improperly managed later building work.
Eligible Works
Interim measures are designed to ensure buildings meet a basic level of fire safety. These measures can include:
- Enhanced fire detection and alarm systems
- Provision of fire wardens in extreme cases
- Ensuring clear and safe escape routes with adequate emergency lighting
- Implementing and communicating fire safety procedures and evacuation plans to residents
- Regular fire safety drills and inspections
- Checking and maintaining fire doors and escape routes
- Preventing storage of combustible materials near the building
- Ensuring gas and electrical installations comply with current standards
- Temporary fire-resisting constructions and fixed extinguishing equipment
- Checking fire service facilities are in proper working order
Funding
The scheme aims to provide full funding for all eligible works needed to achieve an acceptable level of fire safety. This funding will be governed by terms and conditions outlined in a Grant Agreement, ensuring value for money and proper use of Exchequer funds.
Who May Apply?
The scheme adopts a whole-building approach, meaning all parts of a building (common areas and individual apartments) are considered together. Owners’ Management Companies (OMCs), due to their legal obligations and ownership of common areas, are eligible to apply for funding. Individual homeowners cannot directly apply for funding through this interim scheme.
What to Expect After Submitting an Application
Upon submitting a valid application, the Housing Agency will assign a case number within seven to ten working days. Applicants will also receive an Applicant Pack by email, detailing the next steps in the process.
How to Apply
Applicants should complete the Interim Remediation Scheme Application Form, available at the following link https://survey.zohopublic.eu/zs/tTBj2w
Further Information
The Housing Agency manages the Interim Remediation Scheme on behalf of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. For more details visit https://www.housingagency.ie/
At Owen Reilly, we are committed to assisting our clients through this process. If you have any questions or need help with your application, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Your safety is our priority, and we are here to support you every step of the way.
Stay safe,
Stephen Mooney
Head of Block Management | Owen Reilly
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