Damien Mc Cauley demonstrates how weak the blocks are from his house built in 2006 . all the out wall have to be replace at his family home, and his family had yo be moved out. Photo Brian McDaid
One building block supplier has been responsible for cracks appearing in 97% of crumbling homes across Donegal, an angry meeting was told last night.
More than 350 people attended the meeting of the MICA Action Group in An Grianan Hotel in Burt.
The group was formed to take action against defective blocks which are causing homes across Donegal to crumble just years after they were built.
It is estimated that up to 2,000 homes may be affected by the defective blocks which were manufactured between 1985 and 2010 and are now referred to as ‘weetabix’ blocks because of their softness.
The meeting heard a promise from Junior Minister Joe McHugh that he will take the issue to the desk of Environment Minister Alan Kelly with a view to a meeting.
A spokesman for the MICA Action group told Donegal Daily that they were delighted by the turn-out but were disappointed that no representative from Donegal County Council attended.
“It was a very positive meeting which was attended by al our TDs and a lot of county councillors.
“But we were very disappointed that nobody from Donegal County Council was there as they were invited to attend.
“But the upshot of the meeting is that we are hopeful of now meeting Minister Alan Kelly to take our situation to him,” said the spokesman.
He added that a survey of members of the MICA group found that one supplier, referred to as Supplier A, was responsible for providing the defective blocks to 97% of damaged homes.
The spokesman added that it was only a matter of time before there was serious structural damage to a house which could result in someone being injured.
“We have evidence that the structural damage is so bad that it is only a matter of time before a bison slab is affected resulting in a house coming tumbling down.
“That is the reality as blocks get weaker and weaker and more and more cracks appear.
“Our survey has shown that it takes 5.6 years for signs of the defective blocks to appear in houses so many houses may not even be showing the signs of cracks yet,” added the spokesman.
The group said they will continue to seek new members from people who were sold the defective blocks.
“We believe that up to 2,000 houses could be affected. If people see cracks they should contact the group.”
Tags:
