People living in Mica-affected homes in Donegal are growing increasingly frustrated on the lack of progress on the redress scheme.
Back in May, the Government pledged €20 million for a repair scheme in Donegal and Mayo. But campaigners say no real progress has been made since.
Ann Owens Chairperson on the Mica Action Group is calling for every effort to be made by Donegal County Council to make the scheme a priority.
Ms Owens 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.”
Since then, Ms Owens said there has been little assurance on any progress.
There is no time for delays, she said: “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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