Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O'Brien, has announced the further development of the Apartment and Duplex Defects Remediation Scheme to address retrospective costs, following recent Cabinet approval to explore the best method of doing so.

The Minister is establishing a Retrospective Costs Pathfinder for the Apartment and Duplex Defects Remediation Scheme to be developed from a representative sample of multi-unit developments which will be determined working in conjunction with stakeholder representatives.

This work is being undertaken in order to identify and develop an appropriate process to address retrospective issues more widely with the objective being to have a process that provides a streamlined approach, ease of engagement by applicants and ensures good governance regarding Exchequer funding.

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Speaking while visiting Beacon South Quarter Minister O'Brien emphasised: "Government agreed to the principle of retrospection when we approved the establishment of a remediation scheme. We know that this is a complex issue but it's a nettle we have been determined to grasp and I am totally committed to the principle of retrospective payment of remediation costs already incurred in line with the parameters of the scheme.

"The purpose of the pathfinder approach we are now taking is to inform the future scheme which will help identify the most effective process for the funding of eligible works retrospectively. Our approach must be grounded in what works best for those affected, and for the taxpayer."

In line with the government decision, Minister O'Brien will brief Cabinet on the outcome of the pathfinder including an estimate of costs for the retrospective aspects of the scheme, based on lessons learned from the exercise.