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MAG frustrated by delays to Mica
scheme
28.05.18
THE Mica Action Group (MAG)
have voiced their frustration at yet further delays
to the rollout of the Mica redress scheme in Co.
Donegal.
MAG is a voluntary group formed in
early 2014 by individuals whose own homes are
cracking due to defective blocks. The objective of
the group is to seek redress for homeowners affected
by this issue.
Ann Owens Chairperson on the Mica Action Group said:
“After the initial elation felt when the scheme was
approved at Cabinet level in May, we find ourselves
once again in a position where the powers that be
are dragging their heels and no evidence of any
progress in the rolling out of this scheme is being
illustrated.
“Responsibility for the roll out of the mica scheme
has been delegated to Donegal County Council (DCC)
and we were given an assurance by Minister Joe
McHugh in May that MAG would be invited to work with
stakeholders from DCC to ensure that the needs of
affected homeowners were taken into account due to
our first-hand experience with those in the most
urgent need. |
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Members of the Mica Action Group meeting
with Minister Damien English on July 13, 2018. |
“However, since then,
although we have continued to engage with Senior
Politicians and Civil Servants both locally and
nationally on this issue, we have been given little
assurance that things have moved forward or that any
real progress has been made since the announcement.
“It is important to note that earlier in the year,
in advance of Cabinet approval we continually asked
for assurances from Donegal County Council that they
would not delay the rollout of the scheme any
further following Cabinet approval. We asked that
they started preparations earlier in the year to
avoid this happening and we were assured that they
were ready to go as soon as it was necessary.
“If this was the case why are we not seeing some
evidence of real progress? We need to see the fine
details of the mica scheme published immediately and
we need instructions for how homeowners can apply to
get their homes fixed. We cannot accept further
delays.
“We would ask, if there really is a more pressing
issue that needs to be addressed by Donegal County
Council at the moment than this when Councillors,
during the election campaign reported this to be the
number one concern on the doorsteps. We need to see
every effort being made to prioritise the mica
scheme without any further delay and we ask that DCC
at the very least, confirm when the scheme will be
rolled out and applications will be accepted.
“We really don’t think this is too much to ask” |
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