The 100% Redress Party has said that homeowners have been outraged by Minister Charlie McConalogue stating that they are getting half a million euro in redress.
The €495,000 figure was promoted by the Fianna Fáil Minister in interviews this week RTÉ 1 Drivetime debate and the Tirconaill Tribune.
This figure is a total of the increased maximum grant cap of €499,500 in conjunction with SEAI energy grants that were confirmed in June.
Charles Ward, who is the election candidate for the 100% Redress Party, said the figure is misleading.
Charles Ward says: “The Minister’s figures are misleading and do nothing but exacerbate the trauma and frustration felt by those affected. The €495,000 figure used by the Minister ignores the per-square-meter rate and includes the SEAI grant, which is separate from the scheme. To make matters worse, this figure also fails to account for homeowners who have already reached their grant cap.”
Minister McConalogue has said he has fought at the cabinet table for increases in the defective concrete blocks scheme.
He has also stated that work has begun on 300 homes, with the average grant awarded so far now €365,000 and SEAI energy grants of €37,000.
Minister McConalogue told the Tirconaill Tribune that he stands over the scheme and believes that the government has ‘turned a corner’ to get more applications processed.
He said: “There has been real progress with the scheme where homeowners are entitled to claim €495,000. That is a big improvement, that is a lot of money. And if more needs to be done and if flaws are identified I will move to have those issues rectified.”
Ward also took issue with the Minister’s claim that the scheme is still “evolving.” He described this argument as “nonsense.”
“The scheme should have been properly structured from the outset. Over eighty homeowner amendments were submitted, and each one was rejected by the government. The failure to listen to those who will live with the consequences has caused untold harm.”
“The damage thresholds, partial remediation options, and the lack of upfront payments continue to keep families in limbo,” he said. “If the government had listened, we wouldn’t be facing this crisis today.”
Ward says there are too many flaws to ignore, including the human cost of the scheme which has arisen through mental health anguish.
Ward also pointed out the financial barriers that prevent many homeowners from accessing the support they need. “The stage payment system is a significant barrier. Homeowners are being forced to borrow tens of thousands of euros just to start repairs,” he explained.
“The government has failed to properly collaborate with banks and insurance providers, meaning that homes which are remediated under the scheme are still not mortgageable or insurable.”
Ward’s commitment to homeowners is this: “If I am elected, I will work with like-minded individuals to overhaul this scheme and ensure that it becomes effective, swift, and fair, bringing an end to the nightmare many homeowners have endured. He went on to say “As an affected homeowner myself, I understand the pain and trauma of living in an unsafe home. I will fight for a solution that works for everyone.”
