The Mica Action Group has called for an apology from Donegal Senator Niall Blaney over his “highly offensive” remarks on their campaign for redress.
Senator Blaney told the Seanad last week that “the mica scheme is good and the people of Donegal want it” but it is being blocked by members of the opposition.
He criticised “designers” in Sinn Féin for “trying to eff the establishment in Donegal by blocking this scheme”.
He also criticised the calling out of council officials through online abuse.
The Mica Action Group has expressed their anger over Senator Blaney’s remarks, which they described as “gross misrepresentation” of the defective concrete homes campaign.
Chairperson Lisa Hone, in a letter to Senator Blaney, said: “Such comments demonstrate a disconnection and lack of understanding of the levels of sheer anguish and frustration borne by the families affected. As a Senator, surely it is important you have a good level of insight and empathy into the reality of situations in order to represent your county to the nation with accuracy and integrity.”
Ms Hone said campaigners are protesting over a lack of practical response to the crisis which has left severely affected families abandoned to live in dangerously uninhabitable homes.
She told Mr Blaney: “To represent the enhanced scheme as a “good scheme” and something wanted by people in Donegal is a misrepresentation by you of the situation and opinions of affected homeowners, and further illustrates your disconnect from the real lived experience of people in your own constituency. “
Ms Hone called on Mr Blaney to acknowledge the frustration homeowners felt towards their legislative amendments being ignored on the enhanced scheme, and to heed the mounting international scientific research evidencing iron sulphides and its potential impact on foundations.
Ms Hone wrote: “Affected homeowners are living with the genuine fear the remediation approved will not be a permanent solution to the issue and they face being plunged back into this dreadful situation. It is the duty of care of Government both on a humane and financially responsible level to ensure that this does not happen.”
“Following a period of intense campaigning to ensure affected homeowners’ concerns are heard, in recent days there has been movement on some key issues, and we will engage with both local and national Government in a business-like manner to continue to champion the needs of those affected. “
