HOMEOWNERS in Inishowen
who claim their houses were built with defective
blocks are hopeful they will get an exemption from
paying the local property tax.
The group, campaigning as the Mica Action Group,
have revealed that Minister of State for Housing
Paudie Coffey has written to Minister for Finance
Michael Noonan seeking an exemption from the charge
for the affected homeowners.
Donegal TD and Minister of State for the Gaeltacht
Joe McHugh has also written to Mr Noonan seeking the
exemption for constituents affected by the problem.
Mr Coffey visited the county earlier this year to
see the damage caused to the houses including
significant web-like cracking on the exterior walls.
Mica Action Group member Ann Owens described the
proposed property tax exemption as "a huge step
forward".
"We are very encouraged by this development and by
the Minister’s repeated assurances of his continuing
cooperation and support in seeking that those who
are responsible, be held fully accountable," she
said.
“Another important development over the last number
of months has been the sharing by a number of
affected homeowners of their detailed technical
reports with Minister Coffey’s department. These
reports outline the robust testing that has been
undertaken on their properties. The department has
been reviewing these to help verify the cause of the
significant cracking to homes."
Ms Owens said the group now await a decision on
whether an independent panel of investigation will
be set up. The group also wants a redress scheme
similar to that afforded homeowners affected by
pyrite in the Leinster region. |
