This is torture: Pyrite homeowners speak of impact on mental health

Many concerns were expressed at the public meeting about the mental health of homeowners who now must deal with the pyrite remediation process.

Meeting organiser Martina Hegarty, of the North Mayo Pyrite Group, set out from the outset that there was to be a strong emphasis on the “emotional turmoil” faced by those affected by pyrite.

“It is not just rebuilding people’s houses and the pain in the pocket. Each person is in emotional turmoil with the anxiety of knowing your house is coming down and this issue is not discussed often enough,” she said.

One speaker said there should be more people attending the meeting but there are some who find the topic too distressing to discuss any further.

“I’m begging you now to look after us,” she told the politicians present. “Everyone here has a reason to be here and there are some people who are not here now because they have work but others because they have serious mental health issues over this.”

Another woman said that her parents’ house is affected by pyrite, and while they are in the early stages of the scheme, the issue is already having a detrimental effect on the family.

“There is a serious element of stress that goes along with this. We’re not a family in the worst position but it is having a strain on us. Myself and my sisters are playing musical houses at the moment and are so conscious that a major investment might be required.

“We feel we need to be ready to step in given our parents’ age profile. Only when you’re in the scheme, do you really understand the toll.”

Another speaker recounted the experience of watching her house being demolished and the fear she has about the financial aspect of rebuilding.

“I remember standing there on December 12. Watching it was horrific, absolutely horrific.

“We don’t have enough money to build our homes. Where are we meant to go? What are we meant to do when we don’t get the money, when we’re left with shells? When we’re left with family members wondering how can they help us? This is torture.

“I didn’t think I was able to come here tonight, I’m tired of talking about pyrite. It is such an awful thing that has happened to every one in this room. Since 2020, I have heard promises and promises and that this is a better scheme but it is not good enough.”

Fine Gael MEP Maria Walsh said sufficient mental health supports need to be put in place for the affected homeowners.

“I want to stress that a fit-for-purpose mental health support needs to be there for people going through this. We need adequately trained people to talk to families and especially young people,” she said.

Independent MEP Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan said Minister for Housing Darragh O’Brien was “hurting” people’s mental health by claiming the current scheme is fit for purpose.

“Can the Minister please stop saying this is a good scheme and a 100% scheme? When the Minister says that, it is like it is all part of your imagination.

“Every time he says that he’s hurting people. This is not a 100% scheme, go back to school if you think it is.”