AN announcement on the opening of the Mica Redress Scheme is anticipated after it was finally signed off by the government yesterday.
Minister for Education Joe McHugh contacted representatives of the Mica Action Group yesterday evening to confirm the news.
Donegal County Council, who have been liaising closely with the relevant government departments, are expected to discuss the matter and will subsequently outline when applications will open.
In October 2018, cabinet approved a redress scheme for private houses affected by bad blocks containing high levels of the mineral mica in Donegal, but the plans were delayed.
Last October, the Mica Action Group met with government ministers, who confirmed that, while the scheme had been finalised between the Department of Housing and Donegal County Council, it was with the Attorney General for final sign off.
With this hurdle now cleared, there is real light at the end of the tunnel for those affected.
The Mica Action Group, a voluntary group, was formed in early 2014 by individuals whose own homes are cracking due to defective blocks.
The objective of the group has been to seek redress for homeowners affected by this issue. The group has engaged with government on a local and on a national level since its establishment.