The Mica Action Group has invited Donegal County Council officials to join their weekly information meeting series to bring clarity to the revised defective concrete block scheme.
Homeowners continue to raise urgent questions about accessing the scheme and the progress of their applications.
Donegal County Council has said there has been “positive progress” on the implementation of the Enhanced Defective Blocks Scheme. So far, €15.6 million has been paid out DCB Scheme, which includes almost €1.3 million paid out in the recent months of July and August.
A meeting of the Defective Concrete Steering Committee on Thursday identified the need for regular and informative communication from Donegal County Council to affected homeowners. As a result, the Mica Action Group have offered their DCB Scheme Information Evenings as an opportunity for Donegal County Council to communicate immediately and directly to impacted homeowners.
Lisa Hone Chair of MAG states: “We have already organised a series of meetings over Sept and Oct to try and provide the most up-to-date information to impacted homeowners, whether it be those who are trying to progress through the scheme, or those that need to apply.
“As we have a number of dates and venues already secured in the affected areas, it makes sense to offer these as a platform to DCC to be able to relate vital information to homeowners. As well as imparting information, the value of such face-to-face meetings is the dialogue with homeowners. The format allows for explanation and discussion in greater detail, the opportunity for homeowners to ask questions, all of which is important in understanding where homeowners are at and the issues they face.”
Donegal County Council says that 849 of the 1,296 applications had already received approval under the previous scheme. The Council contacted all homeowners in this category in late July and early August outlining what needed to be done next, and what information was required. To date 84 applicants have returned the information required.
Fifty new applications have been received under the Enhanced Scheme. Eight are valid and being referred to the Housing Agency. The remaining 42 applications received are incomplete. The Council has already contacted each homeowner by phone and in writing in order to explain what information is missing and is engaging with each case.
Lisa Hone said that the number of incorrect new applications highlights fundamental issues with the process.
“It should not be that difficult or confusing for homeowners to submit an application. We hope the Council will take up our offer and embrace this opportunity to communicate directly with homeowners to move the situation on positively.
“There is also an open invitation to Minister of Housing Darragh O’Brien and appropriate officials to attend an Information Evening of their choosing to respond directly to affected homeowners’ concerns and questions. A chair will be reserved for the Minister at each meeting.”
Seat reserved for the Minister at this week’s MAG Information Evening
The full list of forthcoming MAG DCB Scheme Information Meetings is:
Tuesday 19th September 7pm Ray Community Centre.
Thursday 28th September 7pm Greencastle Community Centre.
Monday 2nd October 7pm Jackson’s Hotel, Ballybofey.
Tuesday 10th October 7pm Station House Hotel, Letterkenny.
Monday 16th October 7pm, Inishowen Gateway Hotel, Buncrana.
A representative from the Banking and Insurance Redress Focus Group will attend every meeting.
