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INTENSE TALKS HAVE been taking place between the Housing Department and Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in recent weeks to determine what level of funding can be given to the mica redress scheme.
It emerged a number of years ago that the mineral muscovite mica was present in many concrete blocks used to build a large number of properties in Donegal – and some in Mayo.
Homeowners only discovered the mica contamination when large cracks began to appear inside and outside their homes.
Lots of the properties deteriorated very quickly, with many already condemned. Some owners have been forced to move to rental accommodation while still paying off their mortgage.
For close to 10 years, homeowners impacted by the mica housing scandal have campaigned for their homes to be repaired.
It was estimated that as many as 4,800 dwellings in Donegal and 345 homes in Mayo are affected.
Redress scheme
Last year, Cabinet approved a new redress scheme to help homeowners repair the damage, but little has happened since.
Families have said further damage to their houses has become apparent following extreme weather. Campaigners are further concerned that the cost overruns of the National Children’s Hospital could impact on the level of financial help they might receive.
Fianna Fáil’s Charlie McConalogue raised the lack of progress with Minister Eoghan Murphy this week.
He said in many cases, peoples’ homes “are crumbling around them”.
“This is something the government promised as far back as the budget last year. The delays we have seen over the past number of months are simply unacceptable. The government really needs to get its act together on this and publish this scheme immediately so that we can see houses being remedied and families taken out of the distress and misery they have been experiencing as a result of having this unfortunate situation,” he said.
Murphy said he appreciated the deputy’s patience and the patience of those impacted. He said it will be brought to Cabinet as a priority, once all is agreed.
It is understood that while the roll out of the scheme is in its final stages, discussions about the level of money required is still ongoing with the Finance Department.
The housing minister is understood to be awaiting final sign-off on the deal by DEPR.
“We have agreement in principle. We made that agreement at Cabinet level at the budget. My Department and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform have been in intense discussions since then and in recent weeks over what that scheme would look like, and that is almost complete, and also the amount of funding that could be put to it in the initial years. That work is almost there. When it is there, it will be brought to Cabinet as a priority,” he said.
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Good for him. He saw a niche and filled it.
That’s what she said.
That’s really quite a clever idea, fair play to him for taking the initiative.
Them awards are a load of rubbish one so called entrepreneur won an award for making paper cups.
@ Jack – Fox won because he took on the chinese large volume only, two month wait manufacturers. “Cupprint offers a minimum order quantity of 1,000 cups for marketing companies and 5,000 for retail/cafes in a turnaround time of 15 days anywhere in Europe.” He also managed to create employment in this country in 2009. We need more people like this.
I read their story in the paper few months ago. Before they came along you had to get big orders from China with a 8 week turnaround time, now their process can do it in days and they’re supplying orders of all sizes to all over Europe from Ireland.
It’s easy to sit behind a keyboard and take pot shots and people who got out there in the world and did things. Most people wait around for life to happen to them, we need people, even if they’re a small number, who don’t wait around, who do things on their own initiative.
At least the business he set up was useful, unlike Sutherlands former Goldman buddies who make money on pointless nonsense like moving steel around to diff warehouses to artificially restrict the supply and make money off the ensuing spike in prices, and who lets not forget, were at the centre of the subprime mortgage scam that brought down the global economy.
We need entrepreneurs who actually provide goods and services and while this might seem like a small deal to you, I’m sure the people using it see the benefit.
And prey tell, what do you do for a living Jack? How many jobs have you created? How much wealth? How many families are paying mortgages and bills through something you set up?
Ciaran, I own 2 businesses and Im involved as a silent partner is 4 others also I own 6 houses that are rented out. In 1983 I invented a well known household product that I sold on for a tidy profit. At the moment I am looking at inventing a new form of transport so watch this space.
Well done Jack we need more people like you in Ireland
@ Jack – and you did’nt get an award. Sour grapes?
What’s your full name Jack?
Hi Mark!
A question on the product – is the money transferred out of the Country subject to an ‘exit tax’ for example?
Congratulations to all winners, except Peter Sunderland of course.
What’s your problem with Suds??
Best friend of Denis
Best friend of Denis ,must need to raise a few bobs.
Best friend of Denis ,he must need to raise money
This Sutherland thing is a sick joke. A ruthless character. How twisted can things get in the rarefied air of the unknowing?
have your say