Independent TD for Donegal, Thomas Pringle, has urged the Taoiseach to realise that the Defective Concrete Blocks redress scheme will not work as it is presently set up.
Deputy Pringle told Mr Varadkar yesterday how Donegal family has seen less than 70 per cent cost recovery after their mica-affected home was demolished under the existing defective block scheme.
Deputy Pringle said: “This family have had to move their children to a new school, due to the inability to source rental accommodation in their own community.
“They are still paying a full mortgage on what is now a pile of rubble. They are also paying rent.
“They emailed me with their engineer’s breakdown of costs and the costs covered by the defective blocks scheme. They already have a deficit of €19,000 on the first 50,000 of works. That’s less than 70 per cent cost recovery.
“So much for 100 per cent redress. And despite your chatter, the new scheme will not provide much more relief for this family,” he said.
A Donegal mica affected is paying a mortgage on rubble and rent. Forced to move their children to a new school due to no accommodation in their community
They have €19,000 deficit on the first works. So much for 100% redress!
➡️ https://t.co/qsOc6rTxWH@micaactiongroup pic.twitter.com/nSnEDZwHPP
— Thomas Pringle T.D. (@ThomasPringleTD) February 28, 2023
Deputy Pringle said: “From what we can see, the trips yourself, the Tánaiste and minister took to Donegal were nothing more than hollow PR stunts. You fail to listen, therefore you are bound to fail, and my constituents continue to suffer.
“We are sick telling you that your scheme, old or new, will not work as presently set up.
“When will you and your government wake up to this fact, Taoiseach?” he said.
The Taoiseach said he was aware of the issue of engineering costs and said he has spoken to the minister, who is giving it consideration.
