Fine Gael MEP Maria Walsh has called on Minister Darragh O’Brien to prioritise his Department’s ongoing review of the European Parliament report on the mica and pyrite crises.
In response to a letter from MEP Walsh, Minister O’Brien confirmed that the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage is ‘currently considering the report and each of the recommendations in detail’.
The report details last year’s European Parliament fact-finding mission to Donegal, of which MEP Walsh was a member, and calls for the need to include costs of new foundations, provisional accommodation and rental costs in the Government’s current scheme.
Maria Walsh, MEP for Midlands-North West, said:
“I am happy to hear that Minister O’Brien and his Department are reviewing the report, but as homeowners affected by mica and pyrite know only too well, actions speak louder than words. I will continue to push this issue until we see the recommendations implemented in action.
“The report is an accurate reflection of what we experienced during our mission and provides a clear picture of the experiences faced by homeowners and families devastated by the mica and pyrite crisis.
“The current scheme is not sufficient and needs to be reworked. The European Parliament report reflects this by highlighting the need to include costs of new foundations, provisional accommodation and rental costs.
“The report contains several recommendations on redress, and the onus is on the Government to implement them as a matter of urgency. The Government must acknowledge the failings of the current scheme, and provide 100% redress for the families and homeowners affected. I will continue to fight on this incredibly important issue, to ensure the constituents of the Midlands North West are fully represented.”
