TV and film star Anna Friel has tweeted her support for Co Donegal people whose homes are being destroyed by crumbling building blocks.
In a surprise move, Friel joined support for the families when she posted on Twitter: "Supporting Donegal and Mayo home owners effected by mica and pyrite".
Thousands of people are expected to take part in a protest in Dublin next Tuesday demanding that the Republic's government provide 100 per cent redress for the homes, most of which are in Donegal.
An estimated 5,000 homes are believed to be at risk of collapse in Donegal and Mayo because the blocks used to build them contained "Mica Muscovite" mineral dust. When the blocks are exposed to winter frost, wet and thaw, the cement used to construct them crumbles.
The government has instigated a rescue plan, offering to cover 90 per cent of the costs involved in repairing or replacing the houses. However, householders are expected to pay thousands of pounds in fees to engineers and surveyors to get onto the scheme. Home owners are also unhappy that families living in Co Kildare who suffered from a similar problem (Pyrite blocks) were offered a 100 per cent redress scheme.
An estimated 10,000 people took part in a march in Buncrana last month. However, families believe even greater numbers will gather in Dublin for the protest march to Leinster House.
Star of hit shows including Brookside and Coronation Street, Friel has close links with Co Donegal. Her father, Des Friel was born in Belfast but raised in the county. Her intervention provoked a popular response on social media.
Donegal woman, Noreen McLaughlin responded: "Ah girl I knew you'd come through, you never forget your Donegal roots."
Malin Head man, Ali Farren responded: “Your Aunt Mary and your cousins will be proud of you. Thank you.”
Joy, also from Co Donegal, tweeted: “Thank you so so much Anna for highlighting our plight. You are a star through and through. A million thanks to you. You don’t know what it means to have your support and spread the word."
