Office of Public Works

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 25 May 2022

Wednesday, 25 May 2022

Questions (32)

Joe Carey

Question:

32. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if his attention has been drawn to buildings in County Clare in the ownership of the Office of Public Work in which pyrite has been detected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26688/22]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

Pyrite has been detected in one building in the ownership of the Office of Public Works (OPW)  in County Clare.

A routine inspection earlier this year raised concerns in respect to cracking observed in the external façade.  The OPW appointed external consultants to investigate the cause of this cracking and the consultant’s report has confirmed the presence of pyrite in the external leaf of the building. 

Further in-depth testing is currently underway to determine the extent of pyrite present. the OPW will assess the remediation options available, when the results of these additional investigations are complete. 

Based on the professional advice to date, the building is safe to occupy.  The situation is being closely monitored with regular inspections scheduled.