The Irish government has given approval for a scheme to repair thousands of homes in County Donegal which are crumbling because of defective buidling materials.
An estimated 5,000 homes are believed to be at risk of collapse as the blocks used to build them contained “Mica muscovite” mineral dust. When exposed to winter frost and moisture, the cement used in the blocks crumbles, leaving holes in the buildings.
Earlier this year, Donegal’s “Mica Action” group claimed the problem was a factor in the death by suicide of a home-owner in Inishowen who was forced to move his family into rented accommodation when the walls of his home started to crack.
In September this year, Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar visited a mica-affected home near Buncrana and pledged to bring the issue to government. Following a cabinet meeting yesterday, Irish government chief whip and Donegal TD, Joe McHugh revealed that approval has been given for a scheme to assess and repair the problem.
Mr McHugh said: “Work will start immediately on the design of the scheme. It is an exceptional measure. This has been a long road for many families living with this scandal and we hope now that this gives them some peace of mind and assurance that we are aiming to begin work early next year.”
The news was welcomed by the Mica Action Group. Spokeswoman, Eileen Doherty described the news as “momentous.”
Ms Doherty said: “This is a day we have all been waiting for and we hope to God that this has finally given people some comfort and hopefully we’ll see action as soon as possible on the ground.”
