Mica Action Group Meet Minister For Housing Damien English
MICA ACTION GROUP MEET MINISTER FOR HOUSING DAMIEN ENGLISH
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Tuesday June 21st 2016
Members of the Mica Action Group met with Minister for Housing and Urban Renewal, Damien English and other representatives from the Department of Environment yesterday in Carndonagh. The Mica Action Group, who are a voluntary group established by individuals whose homes are cracking due to defective blocks are seeking redress for homeowners affected by this issue.
Phil Mc Daid, Chairman of the Mica Action Group said:
“We were delighted to meet with Minister English in his new role as Minister for Housing to reiterate the desperate situation facing homeowners affected by this issue. We are also delighted that he has made a commitment to return to Donegal within the next number of weeks where he will visit the Letterkenny and surrounding area.
“During the meeting, we conveyed to him the many difficulties facing homeowners such as lack of insurability of their homes. We asked for his help in putting pressure on the insurance industry in providing cover for those affected. We also told him about the issue of loss of value of homes and the effect this is having on the housing market in the county as well as the many concerns over health and safety facing families. The fallout from this crisis in terms of the adverse effects this is having on many homeowners health and wellbeing arising from the emotional distress was also communicated.
“The group also highlighted to the Minister the failure of self-regulation in this sector in the past which has contributed to this problem. We also told him that we have explored all possible options for redress open to us and are now depending on the government to step in.
“Members of the group also assured the department of our continued commitment to engage with the independent panel – set up to investigate this issue – and in delivering all relevant material and documentation to help them undertake this investigation robustly.
“Following the meeting, the Minister, DOE representatives, a Mica Action Group representative and a number of political representatives, met with 3 separate homeowners at their homes in and around the Carndonagh area and saw first-hand the devastating impact this is having on homeowners affected by this issue.
If you think you are affected please register at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/9KPFQKM or contact the Mica Action Group on www.facebook.com/Micaactiongroup.
For further information please contact The Mica Action Group on micaactiongroup@outlook.ie or by telephone on 086 8648888. Media enquiries to Eileen Doherty, Mica Action Group on 087 2910106/ email eileendoherty1972@gmail.com or Phil Mc Daid, Mica Action Group on 0860530558.
