Fine Gael Meath West TD, Ray Butler, has welcomed the decision by the Minister for Finance, Michael Noonan TD, to grant a property tax waiver to householders living in homes affected by pyrite.

Deputy Butler also welcomed the progress on establishing a Pyrite Resolution Board, as announced by the Minister for the Environment, Phil Hogan TD.

He said: "I am very pleased that the Government has wisely decided to grant a waiver on the property tax to people who own pyrite homes. People whose homes have been affected by pyrite are going through a very difficult time. Not only are they living with serious structural damage; in many cases their homes are virtually worthless.

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"Many houses in Meath, including in Summerhill and Enfield, are affected by pyrite. Property owners have been going through a long struggle for justice. It would have been a harsh blow if they were forced to pay the property tax, so it will come as some relief that waivers are to be granted.

"Progress is also being made on moving forward a process of resolution for pyrite homeowners. Minister Hogan has established the Pyrite Resolution Board, which will oversee the implementation of a remediation scheme for private properties affected by pyrite. Crucially, homeowners will not accrue any costs for remediation."

(CD)