The Mica Action Group is calling on defective concrete damaged homeowners to add strength to the ongoing High Court legal action taken.
A landmark legal case is seeking compensation on behalf of homeowners for the shortfall of payment outside of the defective concrete blocks grant scheme established by the Irish Government. The cases are against Cassidy Brothers Quarry, Donegal County Council and the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI).
The Mica Action Group has been in discussions with the leaders of the High Court action – Defective Blocks Ireland – whose legal team served more than 1,800 writs on behalf of homeowners this year.
A spokesperson for MAG said: “Discussions with the legal team have revealed a strong case aimed at vindicating the rights of all those affected and seeking a genuine 100% Redress by fully restoring all losses.
“There is no cost for an affected homeowner to join the case. All legal costs are being funded by Defective Blocks Ireland, a not-for-profit organisation established by Buncrana businessmen Adrian Sheridan and Shaun Hegarty.
“The case itself is making good progress through the courts. A team of international experts has been employed and is working for those signed into the case. Their involvement has gone into its second year, and their findings are central to the case. Should the case be successful, it will benefit those who have signed up to the case first. “
Lisa Hone, MAG Chairperson, stated, “We want affected homeowners to have a clear understanding of the situation and be aware of alternative paths that could lead to a genuine 100% Redress. The outcome of legal proceedings cannot be guaranteed, and homeowners must make a personal decision on whether or not to participate in this process, however it is crucial to recognise that legal proceedings currently represent the only viable pathway that could achieve a true 100% Redress under the present Government.”
It’s almost two years since homeowners from the West of Ireland took to the streets of Dublin to protest against flaws in the original defective concrete blocks scheme.
As the government prepares to implement the long-awaited ‘enhanced’ Defective Concrete Blocks (DCB) Scheme, the Mica Action Group is continuing to campaign for amendments.
They said: “The revised Government grant scheme has major issues, including the exclusion of thousands of affected homes and structures, an assessment protocol that disregards peer-reviewed scientific research conducted by international experts, a complex and bureaucratic process that burdens affected homeowners with construction project management, a grant system that forces homeowners to adhere to outdated regulations and leaves them with shortfalls of tens of thousands of euros, limited alternative accommodation options, and uncertainty surrounding the acceptance of the Certificate of Remediation by banks, insurance, and mortgage companies.
Mr Hone said: “These issues highlight the Government’s conscious decision not to take on board these critical concerns and potential solutions, further exacerbating the suffering of homeowners and their families. Homeowners rightfully question the Government’s claim of responsible and honest administration, as they perceive the State to be accountable and evasive in this devastating situation.”
