Government approves improvements to Interim Remediation Scheme for Fire Safety Defects
- Published on: 4 February 2026
- Last updated on: 5 February 2026
The Government this week announced significant changes to the Interim Remediation Scheme (IRS) for fire safety defects in apartments and duplexes constructed between 1991 and 2013, in advance of the legislation for the larger statutory scheme, which is due to be introduced later this year.
These changes are specifically in respect of fire detection and alarm systems and will simplify the process and cut through administrative hurdles, allowing important fire detection works to be completed more quickly by Owners' Management Companies, while ensuring residents can remain safely in their homes until full building remediation is finished.
The Government has agreed to fast-track critical fire safety measures, focusing on detection systems and resident alert/evacuation infrastructure. A simplified process will prioritise necessary works to fire detection and alarm systems, ahead of the full building remedial works which will follow under the upcoming statutory scheme.
Commenting on the changes, the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD said:
“We are determined to make homes safe as quickly as possible, and these changes will help us do exactly that. By removing unnecessary administrative barriers and by supporting Owners' Management Companies (OMCs) with simplified procurement processes, we are accelerating the delivery of essential fire‑safety works across the country. Residents deserve certainty and peace of mind, and the State is stepping up to provide it.”
To ensure OMCs can act quickly, the Government will provide up to 50% advance funding to remove potential financial barriers to undertaking critical fire safety works. The Housing Agency will continue to administer the Scheme.
It is anticipated that funding in respect of necessary works to fire detection and alarms systems will be provided to OMCs in2026, with a significant number of applicants receiving funding in the first half of this year.
Minister Browne added:
“I am tasking The Housing Agency with supporting the delivery of these works by applicant OMCs quickly, safely, and to a high standard. OMCs are engaging with the scheme in large numbers, and the new streamlined processes will make a real difference on the ground. Our priority is to support residents and ensure that every application approved under the scheme can proceed without delay.”
ENDS
Notes
What is the Interim Remediation Scheme?
The Interim Remediation Scheme is for the funding of emergency fire safety defect works in apartments and duplexes, constructed between 1991 and 2013.
The Scheme is administered by the Housing Agency on a nationwide basis, and provides for the full funding of interim measures (emergency fire safety defect works) in order to provide an acceptable level of fire safety in buildings, pending completion of full remedial works.
Scale of defects in apartments and duplexes
The Working Group to Examine Defects in Housing that reported July 2022, estimated that between 50% and 80% of apartments and duplexes (or associated common areas) constructed between 1991 and 2013, may be affected by one or more fire safety, structural safety or water ingress defects. There have been 230 applications to the interim Scheme to date, equating to approximately 20,000 apartments and duplexes.