Schoolchildren from across Donegal have written more than 50 letters to the government, revealing their worries and fears over living in a crumbling Mica home.
The letters, addressed to Children’s Minister Roderic O’Gorman and some to An Taoiseach, lay bare the devastating impact that living in a Mica home has on young lives.
Some boys and girls have had to move out of their bedrooms after cracks appeared on the ceilings. Others overheard their parents talking about Mica, money and where they are going to live.
The heartbreaking pages were hand-delivered to Dáil Éireann today as part of a children’s protest. Instead of going to school today, children got up early to make the journey to the capital and fight for 100% Redress for their family homes.
Mica Children’s Protest, 20th October 2021 – Photo Lisa Doherty, Mica Action Group
Mica Children’s Protest, 20th October 2021 – Photo Lisa Doherty, Mica Action Group
Some of their harrowing letters are shared below, courtesy of the Mica Action Group.
Among the upsetting stories are the following:
“One day I was cycling around our house one of the corners fell off when I was going past it. It nearly hit me.” – Niamh, 11
“Me and my brother drew rainbows on our house with chalk but you can still see all the cracks on the wall” – Julia, 8
“I am only 10 years old and I have done 5 Mica protests so far.” – Tyler, Lifford
“I am afraid incase the roof falls on top of me.” – Tyler, Lifford
“I’m scared to invite friends over as the cracks are increasing in size every day. My friends house is already been demolished and it is sad to see.” – Mackenzie, 12
“There are cracks in my brother’s bedroom and I want him to be ok.” – Mary Kate, 5
“Do you think Santa will be safe coming down the chimney at Christmas because of Mica?” – Annie, 9
“I am crying while writing this letter as I don’t want to move houses and have no friends to play with.” – Shannan, Letterkenny
“Even though my house isn’t as bad as others, I hear mammy and daddy saying it will get worse.” – Davin Carndonagh.
“I don’t want to be a Mica child anymore. I just want to be a normal child again.” – Lucy, 11
