Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald TD has said a scheme that delivers 100% redress for families affected by the Mica scandal is the only just solution.
She was speaking following her visit to Donegal where she met with many of the families, accompanied by local TDs Pádraig Mac Lochlainn, Pearse Doherty and Councillor Albert Doherty.
Deputy McDonald said the Mica scandal in Donegal has devastated families whose homes are literally crumbling around them.
“These are families who have worked hard and saved hard to buy a home,” Deputy McDonald said.
“Now, through no fault of their own, they find themselves in a nightmare situation where their houses are cracking and coming asunder around them. The meeting I had with them was powerful. Despite everything they have gone through, they remain very strong people who are determined to get justice.”
The SF leader said the scheme that the government put in place is not working.
“Under this scheme, some families are expected to come up with €100,000 or more to contribute to fixing their homes. This is incredibly unfair. These families have been failed by the system, by Donegal County Council and by the government.”
She added that the families campaign and demand for a scheme that will cover the cost of rebuilding their houses is right.
“The only fair solution is for the government to deliver a 100% redress scheme and deliver it urgently. Sinn Féin will keep raising this matter with the government until this happens.”
Technical University
Earlier in the day, Ms. McDonald met with representatives of the Connacht/Ulster University Alliance at Letterkenny Institute of Technology to discuss the group’s application for Technological University status.
“It is a hugely positive and exciting prospect, not just for Donegal but for the region as a whole. Sinn Féin is very supportive of the application. We want to see it happen. It will benefit students, SMEs and local communities across the West of Ireland.
“This new Technological University would give more young people the chance to live and study in the West of Ireland allowing the region to educate, nurture and retain talent in the region which will be vital in tackling regional imbalance.”
