A working group set up to examine the mica controversy has had its timeframe extended for further discussions.
The Defective Blocks group has agreed not to rush discussions and pushed the timeframe back to September.
The group was originally due to report to the Minister for Housing on July 31st.
The extra time will be used for Mica family representatives to avail of independent expertise to support their discussions with local authorities and the Department of Housing. Homeowners will meet with The Housing Agency this week.
Eileen Doherty, PRO of the Mica Action Group, told campaigners that the group also agreed to progress discussions on issues being raised by engineers and how these need to be addressed over the coming weeks.
“The time frame for the conclusion of these discussions has been moved to the end of September to allow sufficient time to work through these very complex issues,” Ms Doherty said after the group’s sixth meeting today.
“In addition to that, we have requested that the four urgent issues of upfront costs, planning, accommodation costs and a support for families around the scheme are implemented as soon as possible.” Ms Doherty added that the Department of Housing has agreed to provide the update as soon as possible.
“Whilst none of us are keen to keep these discussions going any longer than they need to, we are also committed to delivering the best scheme possible for all families,” she added.
The full working group will meet again in early September.
“We appreciate your patience and need you to know that we are, as always, fully committed to working towards 100% redress for all affected families and our commitment to this has not changed,” Ms Doherty added.
In the meantime, a portion of campaigners are considering planning another protest march in Dublin in mid-September.
