Pringle calls for 100 per cent redress for mica-affected homes
- Updated: 16th June 2021
Independent TD for Donegal, Thomas Pringle, said there cannot be one rule for Dublin homes in the pyrite redress scheme and another for people in Donegal whose homes are crumbling from mica.
Speaking in the Dáil today during Leaders’ Questions, Deputy Pringle asked the Taoiseach, Micheál Martin, to clarify his timeline for responding to homeowners’ demands for 100 per cent redress for homes affected by mica.
Deputy Pringle said: “You say that you’re going to have a time-bound process, with five to six weeks to respond. By my reckoning that five to six weeks will be up on the 14th of July. So is it that the people of Donegal can expect a response from you and from the Government on the 14th of July that will address the concerns that they have? I think that is what people need to hear today from you.”
The Taoiseach said that was the intention.
Speaking as dozens of busloads of people from Donegal and elsewhere gathered in Dublin to demand 100 per cent redress for homes affected by mica, Deputy Pringle said: “The people of Donegal are making their voices heard now. They are making their voices heard here today. They are harnessing the power of social media and media to say that the Government cannot ignore them any longer.
“There cannot be one rule for Dublin homes in the Pyrite redress scheme and another for those in Donegal and Mayo whose homes are crumbling from mica. We will not be forgotten and the public is behind us in our call for 100% redress, no less,” he said.
Deputy Pringle also addressed the crowds demonstrating for redress outside the Convention Centre, where the Dail met today, before speaking in the Dáil.
The deputy said the Mica Action Group formed in early 2014, long before the Government launched the Defective Concrete Blocks Grant Scheme in 2020.
Deputy Pringle said: “For seven years now the Mica Action Group has been seeking redress and has been liaising with local and national government officials. Taoiseach, seven years, fighting for recognition. Your photo op last week with some crumbling walls is far too late. Now that our voices are louder you have to listen.”
He also questioned the Taoiseach’s comments that he needed to consult with the Attorney General on the scheme, saying he did not believe the Attorney General had a role in the matter and that was a deflection.
Deputy Pringle said: “One hundred per cent redress and an amnesty on mortgage repayments while works are taking place is the only option.” He said affected homeowners should be able to access the scheme at no cost and have their rental costs covered while repairs and works to their homes are taking place.
“That’s what Donegal demands,” he said.
