Thomas Pringle TD
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Pringle calls on Government to use up-to-date science in defective blocks scheme

Pringle calls on Government to use up-to-date science in defective blocks scheme

Independent TD for Donegal, Thomas Pringle, said the Geological Survey of Ireland has recognised the role of pyrrhotite in defective blocks, as he called on Government to use up-to-date science in its redress scheme.

Addressing the Dáil today, Deputy Pringle said: “The Minister for Housing and the National Standards Authority of Ireland continue to say that there is no evidence that pyrrhotite is the cause of defective blocks in Donegal, not mica, as it has been attributed to.

“But in an FOI submitted by defective block campaign groups in Donegal it turns out that the Geological Survey of Ireland since December last has recognised pyrrhotite, where they say:

“‘It is clear from the independent work done by each research partner that internal sulphate attack as a result of excessive pyrrhotite is the primary cause of the most serious damage seen within the affected properties across Donegal.’

“This is from studies carried out by RSK, Petrolab and the Ulster University consortium, but yet the Department does not acknowledge this and allows families to continue to be approved for partial remediation,” he said.

The deputy raised the issue today during Questions on Policy or Legislation.

Deputy Pringle said: “Taoiseach, will you instruct the department to use up-to-date science when operating this scheme so that homeowners can have a result that they can have faith in?”

In his response, the Taoiseach, Simon Harris, said he will look specifically into the information Deputy Pringle brought to his attention and engage with Minister Darragh O’Brien, who will revert to Deputy Pringle.

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