Deputy Padraig Mac Lochlainn has said that no family can be left behind by the Mica Redress Scheme.
The Sinn Fein TD was speaking following a meeting with the Minister of State for Housing, Damien English and his senior department officials.
Deputy Mac Lochlainn has reiterated that “no family can be left behind” when it comes to availing of the impending Mica Redress/ Resolution Scheme.
Deputy Mac Lochlainn said “I have received assurances from the Minister and his senior officials that the 90% grant towards the cost of refurbishment or reconstruction of the affected homes across Donegal and the cost of the engineer’s survey, tests and resolutions plans will be paid swiftly and in stage payments. This is a welcome assurance and one that I will be monitoring closely in the time ahead.
“It is vital that families already under financial pressure with their existing mortgages are not left with an impossible financial challenge in terms of paying their engineers and builders on time and making up the remaining 10%, an amount of money that could be up to €30,000 factoring in a full rebuild and rental and storage costs during that rebuild”.
He added that the Minister agreed that the banks and financial institutions should step up and assist the affected homeowners with their 10% contribution.
Deputy Mac Lochlainn added “After all these banks are benefitting hugely from this scheme with their asset books across the county restored to full market value. They need to publicly outline how they propose to assist their customers. This must be much more than a zero interest loan”.
“The incoming government, whoever that is, must ensure that the Central Bank and the banks and institutions step up and meet their responsibilities. They must ensure that no family is left behind due to the financial challenges of this scheme”.
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