Press Release Update DOE Progress June 2015
MINISTERS SEEK PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION FOR ‘DEFECTIVE BLOCKS’ HOMEOWNERS
For Immediate Release 10th June 2015
Minister for Housing Paudie Coffey and Minister Joe Mc Hugh have written to Minister for Finance Michael Noonan on behalf of the Mica Action Group seeking that all homeowners in Donegal whose homes are built with defective blocks are given exemption from the local property tax charge.
The decision to seek an exemption follows a series of meetings with the Mica Action Group both in Dublin and more recently when Minister Coffey travelled to Inishowen to meet with the group and to visit some of the homes of those affected.
Ann Owens, Mica Action Group Committee Member said:
“We see this as a huge step forward. We met Ministers Coffey and Mc Hugh in February and have been in regular contact with them since then. As part of the discussions during our meeting and more recently in writing, Minister Coffey was asked to consider this exemption – as this is already in place for homeowners affected by pyrite in Dublin and Meath. We are very encouraged by this development and by the Minister’s repeated assurances of his continuing cooperation and support in seeking that those who are responsible, be held fully accountable.
“Another important development over the last number of months has been the sharing by a number of affected homeowners of their detailed technical reports with Minister Coffey’s department. These reports outline the robust testing that has been undertaken on their properties. The department has been reviewing these to help verify the cause of the significant cracking to homes.
“One of the key items on the agenda at this latest meeting was to discuss the findings of the department’s own internal review of these reports as well as make a decision on the setting up of an independent panel to investigate this issue further. A decision on the way forward will be made by Minister Coffey within the next number of weeks.
“In the meantime the Mica Action Group urge anyone who suspects that they may be affected by this issue to register at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/9KPFQKM or contact the Mica Action Group on at 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 Phil Mc Daid, Mica Action Group on 0860530558 or Eileen Doherty, Mica Action Group on 087 2910106 or email eileendoherty1972@gmail.com.
