A leading member of the Mica Action Group has said that a new cap on the redress scheme would divide homeowners.
There is new speculation that the government is considering raising the cap on the Mica Redress scheme to €350,000. Expenditure is expected to be included on top of this figure.
The rumoured figure has received backlash from homeowners.
Michael Doherty of MAG said the limit would leave 40% of homeowners behind, which is not acceptable.
Mr Doherty told RTE’s Morning Ireland that the measure looks like a “deliberate attempt to pitch homeowner against homeowner”.
“They’re hoping that those that qualify and those that are left behind. We have been united in this all the way through and we will not allow that to happen,” he said.
“There seems to be numbers floated to see what the reaction is going to be.”
Mr Doherty stated that homeowners lose €40,000 of Mica-affected costs to enter the scheme – for testing, planning permission and temporary accommodation.
“We know how €350,000 is going to go, it will be like a lead balloon.”
As MAG continues to fight for 100% redress, and nothing less, Housing Minister Darragh O’Brien has said that an ‘enhanced scheme’ is needed.
Minister O’Brien met with homeowners in the defective blocks working group online last night. He is expected to receive their final redress report on Thursday before bringing it to Cabinet either next week or the week after.
