Minister Hogan welcomes the publication of two new standards dealing with pyrite problem

The Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Mr Phil Hogan, T.D., today (29 January 2013) welcomed the publication of two new Irish Standards by the NSAI, I.S. 398 Reactive Pyrite in sub-floor hardcore material – Part 1:Testing and categorisation protocol and Part 2: Methodology for remediation works.

The report of the independent Pyrite Panel made a number of recommendations in relation to standards and specifications and, in July 2012, shortly after receiving the report the Minister asked the NSAI to undertake the development of:

·        a testing protocol to facilitate the categorisation of dwellings,
·        a method statement for remediation works, and

The Minister asked the NSAI to prioritise work on the testing and categorisation protocol and on a method statement for remediation works.   “I want to thank the NSAI for fast tracking this work and also the members of the Technical Standards Committee for their dedication and hard work in getting this project over the line in a very tight time frame.   I know that NSAI have a demanding workload and I am grateful for their immediate and positive response to undertake this work.  The development of these two standards represents another important step in the advancement and implementation of solutions for homeowners who have been waiting a long time for a resolution to the pyrite problem”, the Minister said

I.S. 398-Part 1 details accurate and reliable protocols to determine whether or not a building is or may be affected by reactive pyrite in the sub-floor hardcore material while Part 2 of the standard details the specification for remediation work.  Part 1 of the standard will provide clarity for homeowners dealing with pyrite and will be a key component in the prioritisation of remediation works.  Part 2 provides a detailed guidance for remediation works and will provide the homeowner with assurance that work has been completed to a high standard.

These two standards will be used as key references for the Pyrites Resolution Board when dealing with claims for remediation.