Defective material was used by other builders

The defective building material which caused cracks in the walls and floors of houses built by Menolly Homes in north Dublin has been used by at least eight other builders, it has emerged.

The infill stone material, which contains the mineral pyrite, was discovered earlier this year in about 40 houses in the Drynam Hall estate in Kinsealy, built by Menolly Homes three years ago.

The company subsequently carried out further tests on houses in Drynam Hall and their other developments, at Beauparc in Clongriffin and The Coast and Myrtle in Baldoyle. It has now emerged that up to 300 Menolly- built homes have been affected by pyrite.

The company has undertaken to remedy the defects. However, some 200 homeowners, represented by Arthur Cox solicitors, are understood to be taking legal action against Menolly. A spokesman for the solicitor confirmed they had begun correspondence with Menolly Homes on the matter.

Meanwhile, a spokesman for Homebond, the building industry warranty scheme, said yesterday that between eight and nine other builders have reported the presence of pyrite in their developments.

The spokesman said the numbers of houses thus far found to have been affected by structural problems are small at about 15. He did not anticipate that this number would increase dramatically. However, builders are not required to report such problems to Homebond as long as they undertake to remedy the problem themselves.

Menolly Homes is conducting work on all affected houses. The work involves digging up the floor, removing the stone infill, replacing it with pyrite-free infill, repairing any structural damage and restoring the floor and wall surfaces.

The process takes 12 to 14 weeks and the company has offered alternative accommodation to householders during this time.

Menolly Homes has initiated legal action against Irish Asphalt, the quarry company that supplied what Menolly claims was defective material. It is not known if the other builders involved are also pursuing action against the quarry.

A report to be presented next week by Dublin City Council management to councillors representing Dublin North Central states that the council has been informed by Menolly Homes that it estimates 184 houses in Beauparc have been affected by the presence of pyrite.

Menolly has this week sent a booklet to all affected householders explaining the problem and advising what remedial action will be taken.

Fingal County Council, within whose jurisdiction Drynam Hall and the majority of other Menolly estates lies, said it is aware of about 100 houses which have been affected by pyrite and is aware the problem is not limited to "any particular builder".