Pyrite exists in many council buildings in Mayo, senator reveals

A Mayo senator has called for Taoiseach Micheál Martin to appear before An Seanad to discuss the pyrite and mica crisis.

Speaking ahead of today's protest outside Leinster House by homeowners affected by the scandal, Senator Paddy Burke said the issue had been highlighted by former Mayo senator Michelle Mulherin, week after week for four or five years.

He outlined: "The current scheme is not adequate and as others have said, it does not even cover people's costs.

"We must meet 100% of the costs involved.

"A number of other issues must also be addressed when the Taoiseach comes in.

"There is pyrite in many council buildings in County Mayo.

"What is going to happen to those?

"Houses are only supposed to be returned to the condition they were in when first built but in some cases, that was ten or 15 years ago.

"What is the position on council houses?

"Are they going to be put back to the standards of ten, 15 or 20 years ago or will they be rebuilt as modern houses?

"These issues must be addressed.

"There is also the issue of accidental landlords and second homes, which is not addressed by the current scheme.

"While the 90% scheme is very welcome as a starting point, we must move to 100% and I ask that the Taoiseach comes to An Seanad to address this issue."

Meanwhile, a motion by Councillor Seamus Weir calling on government to review the pyrite contamination on all residential properties in County Mayo and redress the compensation from 90 percent to 100 per cent funding was adopted at yesterday's meeting of Mayo County Council after being seconded by Councillor Annie May Reape.