By Anthony Marley, Director, Anamore

Ireland is approaching an important milestone in addressing legacy building defects. The proposed Apartment and Duplex Defects Remediation Scheme Bill is expected to be published before the end of 2026, marking a significant step towards establishing a statutory framework to support the remediation of eligible defects in residential buildings.

While legislation and funding will be critical to progress, they are only part of the solution. The real test will be how effectively remediation is planned, procured and delivered, and whether the work ultimately provides lasting improvements to building safety and quality.

For the industry, the challenge is clear: how do we ensure that the next chapter of remediation delivers not just completed projects, but safer homes and renewed confidence for residents?

Getting the detail right from the outset

Successful remediation begins long before work starts on site. Every building presents its own challenges, requiring a thorough understanding of existing defects, appropriate technical solutions and a clear strategy for delivering the necessary works.

Getting these fundamentals right from the outset is essential. Inadequate investigation, unclear responsibilities or gaps in communication can create complications later in a project, affecting programme, cost and quality.

Effective remediation depends on the right expertise being involved at the right time. Contractors, consultants, Owners’ Management Companies (OMCs) and property management teams must work collaboratively, with clear responsibilities and a shared understanding of the outcomes required.

Robust quality assurance, competent workmanship and accurate documentation are equally important. Remediation must be approached with the same rigour at every stage, from initial investigation and design through to construction, verification and handover. The objective should always be to deliver solutions that address the underlying defects and stand the test of time.

Putting residents at the heart of delivery

Behind every remediation project are people whose homes and daily lives are affected by the work. For residents, the experience can bring uncertainty, disruption and understandable concerns about the safety of their buildings.

This is why resident engagement must be an integral part of remediation, rather than an additional consideration once the technical decisions have been made.
Residents need clear, timely information about the work being undertaken, why it is necessary, what it means for their homes and how their concerns will be addressed. Communication must continue throughout the project, supported by a delivery approach that recognises the practical realities of living in a building where works are taking place.

Building safety is not solely a technical consideration. It carries a responsibility to the people who live in these homes and to the organisations entrusted with their management. The success of remediation should therefore be measured not only by the completion of works, but also by the quality of the process and the confidence it helps restore.

Turning legislation into lasting progress

The proposed Apartment and Duplex Defects Remediation Scheme represents an important development in Ireland’s response to legacy building defects. As the legislative framework takes shape, building owners, OMCs, consultants and contractors will need to understand the final requirements and what they mean in practice.

Clarity around responsibilities, technical standards, procurement and project oversight will be important in translating the scheme into effective delivery. The industry must be prepared to work together to ensure that funding and resources are directed towards appropriate solutions, with quality and accountability maintained throughout.

There is also an opportunity to apply the lessons learned from remediation projects elsewhere. Sharing knowledge, strengthening collaboration and learning from both successful delivery and past shortcomings can help the industry approach future projects with greater consistency and confidence.

The introduction of a statutory framework is an important step, but its long-term value will depend on how it is implemented. The focus must remain on delivering appropriate, durable solutions that address defects properly, protect residents and provide confidence in the buildings they call home.

At Anamore, we believe that making buildings safer and more sustainable starts with putting residents at the heart of every decision. Behind every building are people, families and communities whose safety, wellbeing and peace of mind must remain the priority. By getting the details right and working collaboratively, we can ensure that remediation is not just about fixing buildings, but about protecting the people who call them home. As Ireland moves into this next phase of remediation, residents’ needs and experiences must remain central from the initial investigation through to final handover