Mica Action Group (MAG) is a Donegal based, volunteer led organisation campaigning for 100% Redress for those affected by defective concrete homes & buildings.

›Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

We are in the process of compiling a list of Frequently Asked Questions to the groups and we are still compiling adequate answers for some questions.

  • Who are the Mica Action Group (MAG)?

    The Mica Action Group (MAG) is a campaign and lobby group made up of volunteers, formed in early 2014 by individuals whose own homes are crumbling due to defective blocks. The objective of the group is to seek redress for homeowners affected by this issue by campaigning on a national and local level.

  • Who are the MAG members?

    General Committee

    Lisa Hone, Róise Mc Clafferty, Mary McLaughlin, Tommy Walsh, Tricia Sullivan, Gerry Hone, Michelle Diver, Angela Ward and Charles Ward

           Media Team: Our social media is managed by a small group of trusted volunteers.

  • How can I get involved with the group / support the campaign?

    You can reach out on social media at any time or email media@micaactiongroup.com  and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

    To support the campaign, please follow us on social media and share, like and comment on our posts to spread the word. You can also support any online or print media / broadcasters that raise awareness of the issue, by buying the papers or reading the articles.

  • Why are Buildings in Donegal crumbling and cracking?

    Buildings are cracking and crumbling due to defective concrete blocks used in its construction. The Blocks were produced using aggregate (rock / minerals ) that contained deleterious materials. The blocks contain high contents of Mica hence why the issue is known as the “Mica Crisis”.
    But the scientific evidence has since uncovered that the aggregate also contains iron sulphides mainly in the form of pyrrhotite in excess of the allowed limits. This is resulting in the concrete suffering from internal sulfate attack triggered by pyrrhotite oxidation.
    These deleterious materials in the blocks once exposed to the elements lead to the blocks degrading over time and eventually completely losing structural integrity and the building crumbling.

  • What is the most up to date science / research on the issue?

    In November 2022 ATU Donegal and Ulster University hosted an International conference on defective concrete blocks, where leading international experts in geology, earth science and engineering who have researched the impacts of deleterious minerals on concrete from Canada, the USA, Switzerland and Norway, presented their own research on geological minerals and their role in destroying Concrete.
    Link to watch the conference https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lXyP-xbe-20&t=14706s

    Following this event Paul Dunlop, Andreas Leeman, Barbara Lothenbach, Beat Munch, Thomas Campbell have published a paper “The “Mica Crisis” in Donegal, Ireland – a Case of Internal Sulfate Attack?” containing their research on how the iron sulphates and the resulting sulphate attack is the real issue with the defective blocks.
    Link to paper: https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4272642

    Registration is simple. Just go to the Register page on the website and complete (as far as possible) the short on-line form.

  • Why should homeowners who think they may be affected by defective blocks register with MAG?

    MAG is inviting affected homeowners to register on-line so that the group can highlight to the government the scale and devastating impact of defective blocks in Donegal and also provide information to support its members.
    From time to time, MAG may request information from its registered members e.g. technical reports and other correspondence, which will be used exclusively to further our objective of redress. Confidentiality is assured.
    Registration is simple. Just go to the register page on this website and complete (as far as possible) the short online form.

  • Will MAG share my personal information with anyone e.g. insurance companies?

    All information gathered by the group will never be shared with anyone outside of MAG without your expressed permission. MAG would never share personal information such as this with any insurance companies.

  • How many homes are affected?

    Currently in excess of 2400 homeowners have registered with MAG, and these numbers continue to grow. Additionally, and based on initial assessments, Donegal County Council have indicated that in the region of a further 400+ social housing stock are also affected (figures June 2016).
    It is estimated that 5000 – 6000 homes could be affected.

    This doesn’t account for other buildings that are affected including businesses, farm buildings, schools, public buildings etc.

  • What years were the houses built?

    Current results from the survey indicate homes built as early as 1980 up until 2011 may be affected.

    But as we warned the government there is no limit to the extent of this crisis if the concrete industry continues to be self regulated and unchecked by the relevant authorities

  • Are insurers able to help?

    Homeowners are reporting different experiences with their respective insurers. However, in most instances, when insurers are notified of the problem they are removing cover.

  • Are homeowners and other building owners able to take legal action?

    Coleman Legal Partners are preparing a case at present (2023) which will aim to get true redress. More information or to sign up to the case visit their website : https://colemanlegalpartners.ie/mica-defective-block-scandal-coleman-legal/

  • Should affected homeowners continue to pay their Local Property Tax?

    If you are stage 1 approved you can avail of an exemption of property tax, link to information.
    https://www.revenue.ie/en/property/local-property-tax/lpt-exemptions/defective-concrete-blocks.aspx

    If you are excluded or can’t currently access the scheme to reduce property tax by getting your house revalued now that it is affected by defective concrete blocks which will reduce its value and subsequently the rate of property tax you pay.

  • Should affected homeowners continue to pay their mortgage
    ?

    Whether or not to continue with mortgage payments is a personal choice which should be carefully considered by each householder. Your house can be repossessed if mortgage payments fall behind.
    If your home is built from defective blocks it will seriously affect its value. Householders should advise their lender asap and try to negotiate terms e.g. to have the annual percentage rate (APR) on their mortgage reduced over the term (or part of the term) of their mortgage.

    If you are behind with your mortgage you may seek the support of a number of agencies including

    MABS who has a national helpline and a court mentor service – Tel: 0761 072000. T The Irish
    Mortgage Holders Organisation (IMHO) also provides free advisory service to householders behind with their mortgage payments – Tel. 1890 623 624.
    There are MABS offices in Letterkenny – 0761072460 and Buncrana – 0761072470 and Gweedore – 0761072650.
    The Insolvency Service of Ireland (ISI) can be contacted at Information and General Enquiries 076 106 4200.

  • I am suffering from stress and anxiety as a result of this issue – what should I do?

    Everyone reacts differently to stress. Discovering that your house is defective (and perhaps dangerous) generally causes significant stress. MAG advise that anyone in this situation should seek support from family and friends.

    You can discuss your mental health with your GP

    Every single one of us will experience tough times in our lives. YourMentalHealth.ie is a place to learn about mental health in Ireland, and how to support yourself and the people you love.

    Samaritans on Call 116 123. This number is completely free from the ROI and you can ring any time day or night. You don’t have to give your name.

    mymind.org offer tele-health mental health care and a GP referral is not required, at a charge of €30 per session for unemployed / students or €60 per session for everyone else.

  • Where can I get help with processing my application to the scheme ?

    Two facilitators have been appointed to assist in the processing of their application . For anyone who would like to make an appointment see contact details below,

    Inishowen – Michelle Coyle
    Tel: 073 9362218
    Email: michelle@inishowen.ie

    Letterkenny – Gerri Moran
    Tel: 086 1526043
    Eamil: gmoran@dldc.org

    The IDP also offer support and information see website : https://inishowen.ie/dcb-mica-support/

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