NORTH west residents whose homes have been built with crumbling Mica blocks have been asked to take part in an audit.
Derry City and Strabane Council has unveiled a “data collection exercise” to ascertain how many homes in its area have been built with the defective blocks.
An estimated 6,000 homes in Donegal, Sligo and Mayo have been constructed with Mica blocks. Mica muscovite mineral dust used in the blocks causes the cement to crumble when exposed to moisture. The result has been huge cracks and holes in houses, forcing some owners to abandon their homes. The issue is the subject of a campaign in the Republic for 100 per cent redress for repairs or replacement for residents whose homes are affected.
While widespread in Co Donegal, it has recently emerged that the problem also exists in some homes in the north. A spokeswoman for Derry and Strabane council said anyone whose property has tested positive for Mica should contact the authority.
“The council has also written to the Department for the Communities with regards to compensation and engagement with the Irish government in relation to this issue,” the spokeswoman said.
