Minister O’Brien launches a call for research in relation to defective concrete blocks and pyritic hardcore

From Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage 

The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Mr. Darragh O’Brien TD, has today (22nd February 2021) launched an open call for research in relation to legacy issues of defective concrete blocks and pyritic hardcore.

€200,000 will be made available to fund this

research, which is aimed at supporting the technical advancement of standards relating to the assessment of dwellings damaged by defective concrete blocks and pyritic hardcore.

Defective housing can have a devastating impact on the lives of homeowners and the issues of pyritic heave and defective concrete blocks have resulted in substantial costs to the taxpayer.

This research will support evidence-based decision making for policy-makers and standardisation bodies. It will lead to a greater understanding of the effects of pyrite and mica in construction products and potentially avoid future adverse effects in buildings.

Minister O’Brien said: “I am delighted to be able to announce this important initiative which will provide an opportunity to harness the expertise of our scientific and academic community as well as the experience of those dealing with dwellings damaged by defective products.”

The call for research will be managed by Geological Survey Ireland, a division of the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, Mr Koen Verbruggen, Director of Geological Survey Ireland said: “Ensuring sustainable access to high quality raw materials to build our homes, our schools and our hospitals will be vitally important in the delivery of Project Ireland 2040.”

Further information on the call for research is available on the website of Geological Survey Ireland.