What is the Apartment Remediation Scheme Ireland Is
The Apartment Remediation Scheme Ireland is a temporary measure focused on funding emergency fire safety defect repairs in affected properties to improve safety levels until comprehensive remedial works can be carried out. Administered nationwide by the Housing Agency, this scheme fully covers the costs of interim fire safety measures like fire stopping, enhanced detection/alarm systems, upgraded fire doors and compartmentalisation.
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How to qualify
Only apartments and duplexes built between 1991-2013 with fire safety deficiencies directly attributable to defective design, materials or workmanship that violated building codes at the time of construction are eligible. Homeowner management companies representing the entire building must apply, as funding is not provided to individual homeowners under this interim scheme.
Who is eligible?
The interim scheme covers multi-unit residential buildings like apartments and duplexes constructed during 1991-2013 that have fire safety defects related to the original faulty construction or usage of substandard materials like mica and pyrite.
Who is not eligible?
Defects stemming from lack of proper building maintenance, failure to adequately fund sinking funds for replacements, improperly managed renovations/extensions done after original construction, or any other issues unrelated to the initial building works are ineligible.
What funding is available?
In principle, 100% of costs for eligible fire safety remediation works required to achieve an acceptable temporary safety level are covered until full remediation can occur, ensuring no upfront costs for homeowners. Funding aims to prioritise urgently needed fire stopping, compartmentalisation and other fire safety systems.
How to apply?
Authorised representatives of homeowner/resident management companies must submit the Interim Remediation Scheme Application Form along with required documentation like fire safety assessment reports outlining defects via the Housing Agency’s website.
Full Remediation Scheme Coming
While this interim scheme provides vital fire safety funding, the Irish government is concurrently drafting comprehensive legislation for a statutory long-term remediation scheme slated for 2024. This will establish a program to fund complete repairs for all fire safety deficiencies as well as associated structural problems and water ingress issues across affected Celtic Tiger-era properties.
“The interim fire safety scheme is a critical first step, but the full statutory remediation program covering all defects is really what homeowners have been waiting for,”
Gareth Nolan, Operations Director at Firestoppers, a leading passive fire protection firm.
Nolan highlighted their role assisting a large apartment development’s owner management company in Dublin to successfully secure interim scheme funding for urgent fire stopping and compartmentalisation works. “This allowed them to swiftly improve safety while awaiting the final scheme to fully remediate all defects including structural problems from mica/pyrite.”
As regulatory improvements strengthen oversight of new construction, the finalisation of this comprehensive remediation scheme remains a top priority for addressing the negative impacts and safety risks posed by substandard building practices during Ireland’s Celtic Tiger years.
Case Studies
Firestoppers recently assisted Company X, a prominent developer, in securing funding from the Apartment Remediation Scheme for a large commercial development project in Dublin. The project required extensive remediation work due to the presence of defective concrete containing mica and pyrite.
Through their expertise in passive fire protection and a thorough understanding of the scheme’s requirements, Firestoppers played a crucial role in ensuring that Company X’s application met all the necessary criteria. Their guidance and support throughout the process were instrumental in obtaining the much-needed funding for the remediation works.
If you’re a homeowner or developer in need of passive fire protection services or assistance with the Apartment Remediation Scheme, contact Firestoppers today. Their team of experts is ready to provide tailored solutions and support to ensure the safety and compliance of your project.
Passive Fire Prevention Dublin
Firestoppers is a leading provider of passive fire protection solutions in Ireland, with a proven track record of delivering high-quality services that ensure the safety and compliance of residential and commercial buildings. Established in 2021, the company has built a reputation for excellence, combining extensive industry experience with a deep commitment to maintaining the highest standards of fire safety.
With a team of highly skilled and certified professionals, Firestoppers offers a comprehensive range of passive fire protection services, including fire stopping, fire-rated construction, and the installation of passive fire protection systems. Their expertise spans various sectors, from residential developments and healthcare facilities to educational institutions and commercial properties.
Documents & Important Links
- Proposed approach to support remediation of defects in apartments and duplexes: Your questions answered – published by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage
- Code of Practice for the Remediation of Fire Safety Defects: Guidance for Owners’ Management Companies: Building Professionals and Local Authority Staff in the context of the Fire Services Acts 1981 and 2003 (December 2023) – published by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage
- Fire Safety Guide for Building Owners and Operators: Guide for persons having control under Section 18(2) of the Fire Services Acts 1981 and 2003 (August 2023) – published by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage
- Defects in Apartments: Report of the Working Group to Examine Defects in Housing (July 2022) – published by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage
- Code of Practice for Fire Safety Assessment of Premises and Buildings (March 2022) – published by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage
- Interim Remediation Scheme Application Form
