‘We are not going to be quiet anymore’ vow Mayo pyrite protesters

Mayo homeowners impacted by the pyrite crisis are to march on the Dail later this morning (Tuesday).

The Mayo Pyrite Action Group are calling for 100% redress and are urging Government to pay heed to the failings which exist in the Defective Concrete Block Scheme.

The Defective Concrete Block Scheme helps homeowners to repair or rebuild their homes where significant damage has been caused by the presence of pyrite or mica in the blocks used to build it. The scheme was originally opened in June 2020 and covered counties Mayo and Donegal.

In June 2023, an enhanced scheme opened for applications with homes in Clare and Limerick now included and the rebuild cost limit pushed up to €462,000 (previously €420,000). In October 2024, Co Sligo was also added.

However, many homeowners remain locked out of the new scheme.

As of September, 470 applications had been submitted to Mayo County Council under the redress scheme, with 434 approved and 115 properties completed with scheme funding. The true number of impacted homes remains unclear.

Homeowners are also calling for a review of IS465, the standard used to determine whether a home meets the damage threshold required to qualify for the scheme.

The standard has been widely criticised as a major barrier preventing many affected homeowners from accessing support.

Organisers say today’s protest aims to “shine a spotlight on the Government’s neglect and administrative gaslighting of Defective Concrete Block homeowners.” They say there are demanding “action and not lip service” from the Government on the changes needed to the scheme.

Nicola Byrne is one of the organisers of today’s protest. Nicola has witnessed her ‘dream home’ in Clogher outside of Castlebar crumble around her and her family.

As well as the structural damage caused to their home, the family also had to cope with a rodent infestation caused by the holes and cracks in their residence.

Nicola estimates they face a shortfall of at least €250,000 when it comes to rebuilding their five-bedroom home even if they receive the maximum €462,000 in compensation.

“We are not going to be quiet anymore. We are going to unite and demand to be heard,” said Nicola, ahead of today’s protest.

Homeowners from Mayo, Sligo, and other impacted counties will be in attendance.

“We know that together we will be stronger,” said Nicola.

“This is a national scandal. It’s a chronic crisis. There are still homes as early as 2020 in which pyrite has been detected in. It’s still happening,” she added.

Nicola is also a member of the 100% Redress Party and the party aims to run a candidate in the next local and general election in Mayo.