MICA ACTION GROUP DISAPPOINTED THAT PUBLICATION OF REPORT INTO DEFECTIVE BLOCKS DELAYED UNTIL NEW YEAR
MICA ACTION GROUP DISAPPOINTED THAT PUBLICATION OF REPORT INTO DEFECTIVE BLOCKS DELAYED UNTIL NEW YEAR
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Monday December 19th 2016
The Department of Environment have confirmed that publication of the report from the independent panel set up earlier in the year to investigate the issue of defective blocks in Donegal and Mayo will be delayed until early next year.
Members of the Mica Action Group have been in direct contact with the Department and have been told that due to a more rigorous investigation and a more extensive nature of the problem than anticipated in both counties Donegal and Mayo, this report will be sent to the Minister at the end of January 2017, being made publicly available approximately 4 weeks later.
Phil Mc Daid, Chairman of the Mica Action Group said:
“The Mica Action Group have been in direct contact at the end of last week with the Department of Environment and have expressed our disappointment at this further delay. We expressed the dire situation facing homeowners who find themselves facing another winter ‘of discontent’ not knowing what the future holds for them or their families due the increasingly precarious and worrying position they find themselves in due to the progressive deterioration of their homes. With over 460 homeowners now registered with the Mica Action Group and hundreds more confirmed to be affected in social housing, the number of homeowners and their families affected by this issue of defective blocks used in the construction of their homes, continues to rise.
“We had been given assurances by government officials and political representatives that this investigation would be concluded before Xmas but now are disappointed to find out that this is not the case. However, following a lengthy conversation with the Department we acknowledge that the panel had not anticipated the complexity and extensive nature of the problem in both counties in advance. We have been encouraged by the very comprehensive nature of the investigation and the many stakeholders who have engaged. We would however, urge any stakeholders who have yet to engage to do so – it is imperative that a comprehensive picture of this issue is presented in order for a meaningful outcome to the investigation.
“Whilst this delay is disappointing, we would support the investigation being as thorough and rigorous as possible. It is important that this is undertaken with real attention to all the facts and figures rather than rushed through to ensure the correct outcome is reached.
“Additionally, the Mica Action Group have formally requested a meeting with the panel at the earliest possible opportunity, following publication, to clearly understand all aspects of their findings and the implications of these for affected homeowners.”
If you think you are affected please contact the Mica Action Group on www.facebook.com/Micaactiongroup.
