What about apartments and duplexes?

Apartments and duplexes are dealt with separately from the defective concrete blocks scheme. A dedicated law is being prepared for them.

What is the Apartment and Duplex Defects Remediation Bill 2024?

The Apartment and Duplex Defects Remediation Bill 2024 is being drafted to create a statutory scheme for defects in apartments and duplexes built between 1991 and 2013. It covers:

• fire safety defects
• structural safety defects
• water ingress defects.

The aim is to provide 100% funding for eligible remediation works. The scheme would be run through Owners' Management Companies (OMCs), not individual owners.

Has the bill become law?

Not yet. At the time of writing, the bill has not been enacted. You can follow its progress, and read the full text once it is available, on the Oireachtas Bills and Acts portal.

Is there help in the meantime?

Yes. The Interim Remediation Scheme is still open. It focuses on emergency fire safety defects in eligible buildings.

Applications must come from the Owners' Management Company, not from individual homeowners. If you own an apartment or duplex, contact your OMC to ask whether it has applied.

I am thinking of buying an affected apartment. What should I do?

Ask the OMC or the property management company whether the building is eligible, and what stage any remediation application has reached. Your solicitor can help you check this before you commit.

If you have other questions, contact us.