The Pyrite Action Group
Presentation to:
The Joint Oireachtas Committee on
Environment, Transport, Culture and
Gaeltacht
11th October 2011
What is Pyrite?
Pyrite is a naturally occurring mineral also known as iron sulphide or fool‟s gold. When pyrite is exposed to
air and moisture, it begins to oxidise and produce sulphuric acid. This sulphuric acid can lead to the
crumbling/flaking of concrete products. However, when it comes into contact with calcium carbonate (such
as limestone and shale) it produces sulphate and can form gypsum, which upon crystallization will cause
stone to crack and expand. In nature, this is of little or no consequence, but if this reaction occurs in the
infill of a home beneath the constraints of a concrete slab it causes the concrete slab to crack and heave
leading to a variety of problems within the home.
The Effects of Heave-Inducing Pyrite in Homes
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Heaving (lifting) of a ground bearing concrete slab producing web, star or cross shaped cracks
spreading across concrete slabs.
Bulging and cracking of internal/partition walls supported by floor slabs. Plasterboard separating
completely in extreme cases.
Cracking above doors, windows and where walls meet as well as horizontal cracking at ceiling level.
Internal doors jamming, catching on floor.
Bulging and cracking of floor and wall tiles.
Structural cracking in outer walls. May produce cracks in the rising walls, and externally at DPC
(damp proof course) level with some lateral movement noted.
Cracking shower trays and fireplaces.
Staircases, fitted wardrobes, kitchen tops and other units separating from walls and/or becoming
warped due to the upward pressure.
Damage to underground piping such as sewage, gas & water pipes to kitchen appliances.
Sulphate attack – the presence of pyrite in, or close to, the blocks in the foundations of a home can
over time cause serious degradation of the blocks themselves. This is known as „sulphate attack‟. In
the UK, blocks containing pyrite were referred to as „mundic‟ blocks.
It should be noted that cracking in structures may have many causes. Cracking in isolation may not be
attributable to pyrite. However, a combination of the above signs is a strong indication of pyritic heave. The
above effects were noted in Canadian homes 8-20 years from when they were built. In Irish homes the
effects appeared as early as a year after completion.
In terms of active detection, there are no specific European Standards for visual detection of pyritic heave
in hardcore filling. The only definitive method of detection is by chemical analysis and petrographic analysis
of samples. To date in Ireland there is no standardised set of testing. The range of testing methods and
costs vary greatly between testing companies.
Can Pyrite Homes be Repaired?
Yes homes can be fully repaired but it is an invasive and expensive task which involves removing all of the
inner walls and fittings of the house, removing the concrete slab, cleaning out all the existing infill and
replacing it with material that is „fit-for-purpose‟, then replacing inner walls and fittings. The house will be
uninhabitable for a prolonged period. Costs of such extensive repairs are anywhere between €40,000 and
€90,000 depending on the size of the property. But once repaired, homes are as „good-as‟ or „better-thannew‟ as they are certified as „pyrite-free‟.
However, in serious cases, where the structural block work has been subjected to „sulphate attack‟,
replacing the infill alone is not enough. Such extensive structural repairs are extremely costly and if enough
deterioration of the structural work has occurred the building must be rebuilt from scratch. This is why the
issue must be addressed without delay – the longer the delay, the more significant the deterioration and the
higher costs to repair.
Pyrite - the Historical Background
1930
Problems caused by swelling rocks were first reported in the USA.
1970s Problems due to the expansion of pyrite shale were noted in the UK & Wales. Many of the
problems, particularly in the southern counties, were in relation to „mundic‟ blocks i.e. pyrite
degradation of the block work as opposed to the floor infill.
1970
Quigley & Vogan (1970) reported that floors in the Rideau Health Centre (Ottawa Canada),
constructed in 1950, had heaved by 76mm and cracked.
1973
Penner, Eden & Gillott (1973) reported that deep basements in the Bell Canada Building (Ottawa,
Canada), constructed in 1961, were out of level by 1966
1978
Nixon (1978) described floor heave in houses in Teeside, Newcastle, UK. He concluded that
mudrocks should be regarded as „troublesome‟ under certain conditions.
1987
(Hawkins & Pinches, 1987a) provide full case history of heave at Llandough Hospital (Cardiff,
Wales) detailing floor heave of 60mm over a period of 50 years (1930‟s-1980‟s)
1996
Forbairt records show pyrite damage to a detached one off house in Co. Clare, Ireland.
1997
Montreal Association of Engineering Geology (Canada) held a conference on the topic.
1997
Technical committee set up in Quebec (Canada) to research the problems associated with pyrite
heave (Le Comité technique québécois d'étude des problèmes de gonflement associés à la pyrite.)
1998
Canadian TV programme exposed the scope of the problem after which more than 1,000 cases
were reported in Canada.
2000
‘Assistance program for owners of residential buildings damaged by pyrite oxidation‟ (Programme
d’aide aux propriétaires de bâtiments résidentiels endommagés par l’oxydation de la pyrite”) was
implemented by the Government of Québec. This programme provided financial assistance to
pyrite-affected homeowners, contributing to repair costs. Programme finished August 2011.
The Pyrite Crisis in Ireland
It is currently estimated that approximately 20,000 homes across Dublin, Meath, Kildare, Offaly and
possibly others could be affected by pyrite. However, based on the amount of aggregate sold by quarries
during the late 1990‟s and the early 2000‟s (estimated at around 40 million cubic meters), the number of
affected homes may potentially be much higher, with certain experts suggesting that as many as 50,000 to
60,000 properties may be affected. Indeed, many homes are currently experiencing only the initial stages of
pyrite-damage, with some homeowners believing the issues to be „settlement-related‟. Further, given that
pyrite can be active in the infill for approximately 20 years, it is highly likely that the full extent of the pyrite
crisis is yet to be revealed.
Ireland‟s pyrite comes mainly from quarries located along what is called the Tober Colleen Formation, a
horseshoe-shaped area of land, stretching from North Dublin across West Dublin, East Meath, North
Kildare and into Offaly.
Below are some key dates in the history of pyrite in Ireland:
1996
Forbairt records pyrite damage to a one-off detached home in Co. Clare.
2007
Building Control Authority first notified of pyrite issues in Fingal area in July 2007. Homeowners
state however that building contractors / developers were notified of problems in homes in the years
prior to 2007. In the recent James Elliott Vs Irish Asphalt high court case, it was noted that cracks
started to appear in the Ballymun Central Youth Facility after completion of building in 2005.
Dec 2010 A High Court case brought by developer Menolly Homes against Irish Asphalt and the Lagan
company group concluded without a finding of legal liability when Menolly Homes withdrew its action
and a trust fund of €25.5m was set-up to repair the damage to more than 600 homes in north
Dublin. This was one of the most expensive court cases in the history of the State and ran for 159
days in court.
May 2011 Judge Justice Charleton found that builder James Elliott was entitled to damages in his high
court case against Lagan Asphalt on the basis that the infill sold was neither of merchantable quality
nor fit for purpose. He awarded costs to be made payable up front to James Elliott by close of
business 28th October, 2011 despite Lagan‟s intention to appeal. This was the first case in Ireland
where legal liability was found in relation to a pyrite case.
May 2011 Pyrite Action Group was formed by concerned homeowners coming together to address the
issue on a cross community basis. Pyrite Action believes that the full extent of this issue is huge.
We are adamant that homeowners cannot deal with the issue themselves and that Government
involvement is a must, despite government insistence that this is a civil matter.
June 2011 Homeowners protest outside HomeBond‟s Head Office requesting them to engage with
homeowners.
Aug 2011 After years of stalling the processing of pyrite claims and the carrying out of necessary testing,
HomeBond publicly announces its intention to abdicate itself from any liability in relation to pyrite
claims made under its 10 Year Structural Guarantee Scheme.
Sept 2011 Minister Phil Hogan announces the introduction of an Independent three-person working
group to investigate the pyrite crisis.
Sept 2011 Homeowners protests at HomeBond offices to express their outrage at HomeBond‟s denial of all
responsibility in pyrite claims.
Oct 2011 Pyrite Action Group presents to the Joint Oireachtas Committee for the Environment, Heritage,
Culture & Gaeltacht.
The Role of HomeBond and the ‘10-Year Structural Guarantee’
In 1978 The National House Building Guarantee Scheme was established, to provide
a guarantee to purchasers of new homes against major structural defects. Dept. of
the Environment inspectors carried out inspections of properties on an agency basis
on behalf of the guarantee company. By 1995 HomeBond Insurance Services Ltd
took over responsibility for the above guarantee scheme.
HomeBond was established by the Construction Industry Federation and the Irish
Home Builders Association, in conjunction with the Dept. of the Environment. Its role was to ensure that
proper building standards were maintained, and to protect homeowners against major structural defects in
houses within the first 10 years of being built in the event of default by the builder. It was heralded as the
industry standard and promoted by banks and builders alike.
Other building warranty providers entered the market under what can only be described as very difficult and
uncompetitive conditions but gained nothing like the market share that HomeBond held.
Homeowners for their part, had no say in deciding which company provided their structural guarantee, as
such guarantees were agreed between the building contractors / developers and the insurer. Further, a
precondition of homeowners securing mortgage approval from mortgage providers and lending institutions,
was the presence of such guarantee schemes, leaving homeowners with no choice in whether or not to
have such „cover‟ in place. Given HomeBond‟s recent denial of responsibility for pyrite-affected homes, and
their prior claim to cover „major structural defects‟, homeowners obviously believe that they were miss-sold
this guarantee.
Between 2007 and 2011 HomeBond have received hundreds and perhaps thousands of claims from
homeowners in relation to pyrite damage in their homes. The exact number of claims on HomeBond‟s
books is unknown. It is vitally important that this information be established by any means necessary to
gain a clear picture of the extent of this crisis.
In August 2011 Homebond circulated a letter to Homeowners saying that based on legal advice they will no
longer process any claims in relation to pyrite and any agreed settlements would be revoked. HomeBond
has announced publicly its intention to abdicate itself from any liability, leaving homeowners devastated.
Homeowners feel that HomeBond has wasted more than three years stalling the process and has, as a
result, adding to ever deteriorating conditions of homes. There is also anger at the fact that HomeBond
made full settlements to some homes affected in the early stages of the pyrite crisis and believe this action
set a precedent.
Who are the Parties Involved?
Quarries
Dept. of the
Environment &
Local Authorities
Building
Contractors
Homeowner
Banks &
Lenders
Insurers
Developers
Pyrite - What was Known?
1. Irish Geological & Engineering circles had long been aware of the geological formation known as
the Tober Colleen formation. Its existence and geology, which is mainly sedimentary and limestone
rock and calcareous shale was documented and known about from geological surveys.
2. The conditions under which pyrite heave would occur were also well documented in commonly used
engineering literature such as Alfred B. Hawkins 1997 title “Ground Chemistry Implications for
Construction”. One particular section of this book written by experts J.C. Cripps & R.L. Edwards was
titled “Geotechnical Problems associated with Pyrite Bearing Mudrocks”.
3. Previous cases of pyrite heave, and the damage it can cause in residential construction in Canada
and the UK, were well documented. In the UK in particular from the 1950s onwards BRE Digests
regularly warned of potential damage relating to the use of sulphates in infill and UK Building
Regulations and guidelines were amended accordingly.
4. The Law Society of Ireland has expressed a number of concerns in relation to HomeBond‟s
scheme. In June 2000 a „Client Warning‟ was issued in a Law Society of Ireland memorandum and
it was suggested to members that clients buying new houses registered with HomeBond should be
made aware of this warning. In July 2000 a practice note was published in the Law Society Gazette
entitled „HomeBond Warning‟, which detailed the Law Society‟s concerns.
5. In November 2008 a Grant Thornton / Mason Hayes + Curran report (Volume 4) commissioned by
the National Consumer Agency (The Home construction Industry and the Consumer in Ireland –
Review of insurance issues) identified HomeBond‟s limits of liability as being inadequate.
6. In the same Grant Thornton Report (Volume 5) the National Consumer Agency highlights concerns
about the inadequacy of Building Regulations and their enforcement.
7. Quarry owners should have had access to and sought the above information on setting up their
quarries, particularly those on the Tober Colleen formation.
8. The Dept. of the Environment would say that their Building Regulations were up to standard and
adequate. However, in 2007 in the wake of the pyrite discovery they updated their regulations via a
consultative committee. Unfortunately, the amendment did not go far enough and building
regulations remained inadequate.
Pyrite & the Government - Why the Pyrite Crisis is not a Civil Issue
The Pyrite Action Group believes that Government involvement is imperative in the resolution of this matter
and we welcome Minister Hogan‟s first step in setting up an Independent Working Group to examine and
provide a resolution to the pyrite crisis.
To date, An Taoiseach Enda Kenny, Minister Phil Hogan and a number of TDs and civil servants have
stated that the pyrite emergency is solely a „civil matter‟ between homeowner, builder/developer and
HomeBond. This stance is entirely unacceptable, untrue and another injustice facing the many
homeowners affected by pyrite. For the following reasons we believe that the Government, and specifically
the Department of the Environment as overseer of building regulation, holds a direct responsibility (along
with all other parties involved) for this issue:
Building Control
Building Control was all but abolished by the time Ireland‟s “building boom” took place. The construction
industry was in effect deregulated by successive Governments. The Department of the Environment let go
of the reins where regulation was concerned, instead handing over control to builders, developers, and
quarries. Minister Hogan recently stated that the building regulations were fully adequate and “stood the
test of time”. If these regulations were indeed adequate and properly enforced, why was it felt necessary to
change regulations in November 2007? Even this amendment was wholly inadequate as the new 2007
update was still deficient, doing little to prevent a worsening of the crisis. In all, there was no serious
approach to Building Regulations and their enforcement.
HomeBond & the Department of the Environment
HomeBond was established by the Construction Industry Federation and the Irish Home Builders
Association, in conjunction with the Dept. of the Environment. Its role was to ensure that proper building
standards were maintained, and to protect homeowners against major structural defects in houses within
the first 10 years of being built in the event of default by the builder.
The relationship between HomeBond and the Dept. of the Environment remained close for many years. In
January 2011, Deputy Michael Finneran confirmed in response to a question from Deputy Terence
Flanagan that his department provided inspection services to HomeBond up to December 2004. In total the
department inspected 356,611 homes between 1995 and 2004. He added that “My Department‟s
inspectors carried out inspections of properties covered under the guarantee scheme on an agency basis
on behalf of the guarantee company. Costs associated with these inspections were recouped to my
Department by the guarantee company”.
We believe that the exact nature of the relationship between HomeBond and the Dept. of the Environment
requires investigation. In addition, questions need to answered relating to the Law Society and the National
Consumer Agency‟s concerns about HomeBond‟s provision of inadequate cover to homeowners.
Obstacles Faced by Homeowners in Dealing with this Issue Directly
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High cost of removing pyrite from a home (€40,000 and €90,000 depending on size/type of home)
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The nature of the building – an individual repairing their own home is more straight-forward than an
apartment owner trying to repair their apartment where the impact on hundreds of other residents
must be taken into account. Common areas such as hallways, stairs and outdoor areas also cannot
be addressed by an individual homeowner.
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Extremely high legal costs involved in pursuing builders / developers / quarries / HomeBond / Local
Authorities (some legal firms have charged tens of thousands for services). Individual homeowners
could never cover this level of legal expense and class actions do not exist in the Irish legal system.
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Most homeowners have a contract with the building contractor as opposed to the quarry, and many
builders are either liquidated, in receivership, or their debts have been taken over by NAMA. So the
homeowners avenue of recourse has quite literally be taken away.
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Homeowners have experienced great difficulty and legal expense in trying to access information
and establish facts relating to builders/developers/quarries, and their insurers.
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Uncertainty over testing standards and related costs (quotes for testing range from €900 to €4,000
and may not include costs of engaging and getting engineer‟s reports).
The Pyrite Action Group – Our Goals & Expectations
Our Primary Goal
That pyrite-affected homes will be fully repaired and certified „pyrite-free‟. Most homeowners paid significant
amounts of money for their homes at the height of the property-boom and now continue to pay crippling
monthly mortgage repayments while their homes crumble.
In order to achieve this goal, we demand that the following actions must be taken by the various parties
involved:
Government / Department of the Environment
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The Government must accept that the pyrite crisis is not solely a civil matter and that it has a
responsibility in providing a resolution to this issue given the Department of the Environment‟s role
in the regulation of the construction industry and its direct involvement with HomeBond.
The solution to this pyrite crisis must be government-lead. The Government must take ownership of
the pyrite problem, managing it and steering it towards a just and satisfactory outcome for all parties
involved.
The Government (our public representatives) must use its strength, knowledge, agencies and legal
clout (including the Attorney General‟s Office) to act on homeowners‟ behalf so as to determine the
extent of the pyrite issue. This would involve identifying building contractors, developers, quarries,
banks, lending agencies, liquidators, receivers, NAMA, insurers, local authorities and any others
who should be held to account, and forcing them to engage with the Independent Working Group
towards a just resolution.
The Government must refute HomeBond‟s recent denial of liability for pyrite related claims and must
legally challenge their stance if necessary.
The Government must act upon any findings of the Independent Working Group.
HomeBond
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HomeBond must not wash their hands of the pyrite issue.
HomeBond must change their recent legal stance in relation to pyrite structural defect claims.
HomeBond must make available ALL INFORMATION in relation to the pyrite crisis to the
Independent Working Group or others who may be investigating a resolution to this crisis.
Independent Working Group
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The recently formed Independent Working Group must commence its work immediately and publish
its findings expeditiously so as to minimise the ongoing stress being caused by ever deteriorating
living conditions.
The Independent Working Group must have a level of authority appropriate to the size and
seriousness of this issue.
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The Independent Working Group must, at the very least, have the power to compel HomeBond to
divulge all information they have in relation to the number of claims, developments affected,
quarries, developers and insurers involved.
The Independent Working Group must work closely with homeowners or representative groups such
as the Pyrite Action Group.
The Independent Working Group must establish the level of cover builders/contractors and quarries
have in terms of Contractors All Risk Insurance
Testing
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The Government and/or the Independent Working Group must put in place an agreed testing
process with accepted standards and pricing structures for formal pyrite testing.
Receivers, Liquidators and NAMA
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In the case where builders/developers are no longer trading, or whose loans have been transferred
to NAMA, receivers, liquidators and indeed NAMA must prioritise pyrite-affected homeowners ahead
of all other creditors.
Role of Banks, Lending Institutions & Mortgage Providers
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Banks and other lending institutions must be brought up to speed on the pyrite issue and must be
compelled to be involved in any agreed resolution to the pyrite crisis, thus restoring value to these
unviable assets
Banks and lending institutions must make some contribution towards reinstating value into what are
essentially their assets until mortgages are paid. One proposal would be that the lending institutions
provide upfront funding for repairs and then take legal action to recover the costs. Apart from the
obvious benefits to homeowners, this would also safeguard the financial institutions‟ own interests,
limiting further damage and ensuring that these properties are once again viable assets.
Furthermore, we feel that this proposal falls perfectly in line with the Government‟s plan to create
construction jobs through retrofit schemes.
Insurance Provider Responsibilities and the Role of the Insurance Regulator
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Insurance companies must clarify their position in relation to pyrite properties. The Irish Insurance
Federation and Regulator must ensure that these house insurance policies (whether new or for
renewal) do not unfairly discriminate against pyrite-affected homes particularly once the home is
fully repaired and certified as pyrite-free.
Full Risk and Health & Safety Assessment of Pyrite homes.
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A full Risk and Health & Safety Assessment be carried out on pyrite-affected homes by those with
the necessary expertise. This assessment must not only focus on the impact of heave-inducing
pyrite on the overall structure of the home, but also the potential dangers in relation to sulphate
attack on the structural block work, to fire-safety (jamming smoke-doors, shaving down doors,
unsafe stairs etc.), gas, sewage and water pipes rupturing, damage to electrical wiring, falling
partitions (plasterboard) and respiratory problems related to pyrite.
WOULD YOU PAY A MORTGAGE ON THIS?
Pyrite – the human tragedy.
Quotes collected from pyrite affected homeowners
I am so stressed at the
moment with the whole
situation and keep
wondering will there ever be
a positive outcome.
Our young children have lived their
entire lives with a very, very
stressed set of parents.
Frustration, Annoyance,
Sadness,
Depression,
Worry, Sick to the
Stomach, Not knowing
where to turn & Total
Loss of self worth.
I am attending the doctor for
sleeping tablets as in the dead of
the night there is no escape from
the mind - as I type this there are
tears in my eyes.
My 4 yr old is an only child because I refuse to bring
another child into this nightmare. And I struggle
with the guilt that my little boy is going through
this with us.
The fear of an affected
credit rating is the only
thing preventing me from
handing back the keys.
I cannot walk bare foot in my
own home due to broken floor
tiles.
My front door now sticks so bad that
it takes all my strength to open it.
What would happen in a fire when
every second counts?
My pyrite problem, festering for the
last six years, has caused stress levels
high enough to damage my stomach to
the extent that I am now on constant
medication in an effort to prevent
further damage.
Every time I leave my 'house' I breathe a sigh of relief. Upon
return to my estate I feel physically sick and my stomach knots
even more. When I pull up outside I invariably spend time in the
car both delaying going 'home' and plucking up the courage to go
in to reassess the cracks. On many occasions I have not found the
strength to enter my own 'home' and have merely turned the car
around and driven away, not caring where to. I do not own a
'home'. I have a pyrite problem.
There is no escape - every
room I go into is a constant
reminder of the situation.
How can I plan a family
when I don’t even have a
safe home for my children
to live in?
I went through a divorce in 2006
and believe me it was less painful.
As we cannot sell our “Pyrite problem” the only way to
have a habitable home of our own is to rent. This means
paying a mortgage on a crumbling apartment & rent – we
live in constant fear of one of us losing a job.....
This has shaken me to the core and changed me
forever – I used to make big decisions at ease – now I
question myself on the smallest decisions, terrified to
make another mistake. I know logically I did nothing
wrong so it is not my mistake but that fear is still there
regardless.
I am so angry at Homebond, insurance that
covers nothing! This is a structural defect
maybe someone should buy them a dictionary!
I'd have more rights if I bought a defective
toaster
I have actively looked into getting a family
visa for Canada and handing back the keys
but the bank has threatened that we will
still owe them for the negative equity. So
even fleeing the country is no escape from
this nightmare.
My wife brought the kids to the GP and they
were playing in the play house and our 3
year old started shouting at our 2 year old
that he couldn't take it anymore. "Everyday
there are new cracks. I can't close the doors
without a struggle and the cracks in the tiles
in our kitchen are getting bigger..... This went
on for about 5 minutes until it was no longer
funny. She came back from the GP very
upset.
I am so angry that this has been allowed to
happen, someone signed off that our
building was safe to live in, that it met with
building regulation ...where is that
someone now!
Spare time is simply
existent at the moment.
shouldn’t have to fight this
for such a basic right
habitable home.
nonYou
hard
– a
Move me into a ghost estate with solid
foundations instead of ripping them
down and rip down the piece of shit I
live in. I'll pay my mortgage on that
house instead.
A neighbour of ours can put his hand through his exterior wall from the inside through to
the outside. I fear that this is ahead of us as this is dragging on. What do I do with my kids if
this happens??? They can't stay in the house. We can't stay in the house. If that happens, I
won't be paying my mortgage anymore. Am I then a criminal?? Will I have to emigrate as a
result?? Will I be able to own a home in Ireland again if this happens?? Will I be able to buy a
house in our new country??? Will the kids get back to this country?? Will I get back to this
country??
I thought having to deal with negative
equity was bad but knowing I am
paying for an apartment that may
never resell is soul destroying
especially with 25 years left on my
mortgage.
We don't trust the walls to
support anything such as heavy
mirrors, heavy pictures, cabinets
etc
We don't want to paint
the house despite it
needing it – why bother??
It’s not the developers fault, he only sold you the apartment
It's not builders fault he only built the apartment
It's not the building engineers fault, he didn’t know about the pyrite
It's not the regulators fault, the quarry should have checked the infill
It's not the banks fault, their valuation assumed all of the above did their job
It's not the governments fault, they might have set the regulations but it's a
civil matter
So is it my fault for falling victim to all of the above?
References & Further Reading Material
Books
Cripps, JC & Edwards RL (1997)
“Geotechnical problems associated with pyrite bearing
mudrocks” in Hawkins, A. B (Ed.) Ground Chemistry
Implications for Construction, A. A. Balkema, Rotterdam.
Hawkins, A. B & Pinches G.M. (1997),
“Understanding Sulphate Generated Heave Resulting From
Pyrite Degradation‟, in Hawkins, A. B (Ed.) Ground Chemistry
Implications for Construction, A. A. Balkema, Rotterdam.
Articles / Reports
Aidan O‟Connell & Associates (Oct 2011)
What is Pyrite?; What is the Pyrite Reaction?; How to
Recognise Damage from Pyrite Heave; What Should I do? –
http://aoconnellassc.com/component/content/article/47/155recognisingpyriteheave.html
Association Des Consommateurs (1999)
“Pyrite and Your House – What home-owners should know
Pour La Qualité dans la Construction
about swelling backfills”
http://www.consommateur.qc.ca/acqc/PyriHouse.pdf
Cleary, Fionnualla & (2011)
Judgment Delivered in Pyrite Case
McCabe, Liam
http://www.williamfry.ie/publicationarticle/judgment_delivered_
in_pyrite_case.aspx
Courts Service (2011)
Judgment Title: James Elliot Construction Ltd -v- Irish Asphalt
Ltd.:
http://courts.ie/Judgments.nsf/09859e7a3f34669680256ef3004
a27de/3c493735154efe11802578d200347766?OpenDocumen
t
Eakes, Jon (2009)
Overview: Pyrite
http://www.joneakes.com/jons-fixit-database/2151
Grant Thornton on behalf of the (2008)
The Home Construction Industry and the Consumer in Ireland
National Consumer Agency
(Volume 0) - A Profile of the Home Construction Industry in
Ireland
http://www.nca.ie/eng/Research_Zone/Reports/Home_Constru
ction/NCA-Home-construction-Volume-0.pdf
Grant Thornton on behalf of the (2008)
The Home Construction Industry and the Consumer in Ireland
National Consumer Agency
(Volume 4) – Review of insurance issues
http://www.nca.ie/eng/Research_Zone/Reports/Home_Constru
ction/NCA-Home-construction-Volume-4.pdf
Grant Thornton on behalf of the (2008)
The Home Construction Industry and the Consumer in Ireland
National Consumer Agency
(Volume 5) – Building Regulations and their Enforcement
http://www.nca.ie/eng/Research_Zone/Reports/Home_Constru
ction/NCA-Home-construction-Volume-4.pdf
Houses of the Oireachtas (2011)
Tuesday 18th January 2011 No. 356
- Written Answers
http://debates.oireachtas.ie/dail/2011/01/18/00204.asp
Houses of the Oireachtas (2003)
Thursday 27th February 2003 No. 209
- Written Answers
http://debates.oireachtas.ie/dail/2003/02/27/00177.asp
Longworth, Ian (Feb 2008)
Sulphate damage to concrete floors on sulphate-bearing
hardcore Identification and remediation - British Research
Establishment for the Department for Communities And Local
Government.
http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/planningandbuildin
g/pdf/703049.pdf
Société d'habitation du Québec (Oct 2011) Home damaged by pyrite oxidation
http://www.habitation.gouv.qc.ca/en/proprietaires/pyrite.html#el
igibility
Société d'habitation du Québec (Oct 2011) Programme d'aide aux propriétaires de bâtiments résidentiels
endommagés par l'oxydation de la pyrite http://www.formulaire.gouv.qc.ca/cgi/affiche_doc.cgi?dossier=6
864&table=0#17
Conferences
IBCI Conference (2008)
Pyrites the Building Control Experience
http://www.i-b-ci.ie/docs/conferences/2008/Pyrites%20the%20Building%20Co
ntrol%20Experience%20-%20Joe%20Boyle.pdf
Disclaimer
This document has been prepared in good faith by the Pyrite Action Group. While we have taken the time
to research the issue and have done our utmost to ensure the details within are accurate, we do not
recommend any part of this document should be published without further verification of the details by
recognised experts. Any views expressed are from homeowners affected by pyrite and are not necessarily
the views of the Pyrite Action Group committee.