‘Pyrite fiasco could cost €575m to fix’ as State suggests construction sector levy to foot bill

The pyrite fiasco which has severely damaged thousands of Celtic Tiger-era homes across Ireland could ultimately cost as much as €575m to fix.

A major Government report on the issue, which is set to be launched by Environment Minister Phil Hogan today, will put the figure forward — and suggest a controversial construction firm levy to pay the huge bill.

According to a leaked copy of the report provided to RTÉ News, as many as 12,500 homes built during the Celtic Tiger era have been damaged by pyrite — a mineral that expands in the presence of moisture and oxygen, damaging walls in the process.