A joint campaign group of defective concrete homeowners are calling for support of the ‘People’s Document’, which lays out a “true definition” of 100% redress.
The document, published today (read below), has been sent to all public representatives in the Dail, Seanad and to local Councillors in Donegal.
It sets out four principles of 100% Redress and addresses areas where it’s believed that the government’s enhanced scheme falls short. The document calls for ‘like for like’ home rebuilds; a government managed, cost-free process with self-built opt out; inclusive supports for all those affected; and prevention of similar crises.
The document was finalised over the past week following a packed meeting of affected homeowners at the An Grianan Hotel on 4th March. The initiative is led by campaigners Paddy Diver, Lisa Doherty Hela (100% Redress No Less), Lisa Hone, Tricia Doherty (MAG), Roisin Gallagher (Redress Focus Groups) and Michael Doherty.
Paddy Diver from 100% Redress No Less (pictured) stated, “It was incredible to see so many people turn up for the meeting last Monday, it was standing room only, which sends a very clear message in itself – the DCB scheme is falling way short of what it needs to deliver. The Government have had two opportunities to get this scheme right and they have messed up because they refuse to listen to the people that are going through this desperate situation. This is the People’s Document because it reflects back what they know is needed to ensure no one is left behind.”
4th March public meeting invited audience input on The Peoples’ Document – The Definition of a True 100% Redress. Northwest Newspix
Well-known campaigner Michael Doherty states, “We have gone through every single comment whether written or verbal and done our best to ensure that they are woven into the principles of the document and ensure the people’s voices are heard. Every single public representative in the Dail and Seanad has received a copy of this document plus local Councillors in Donegal. We are also conscious of the full support of the Dail on 15th June 2021 when a 100% Redress Motion was passed unopposed. We had politicians from all over the country voicing their full support for 100% Redress on the stage at both mass rallies in Dublin and we look forward to their continued support in delivering a true 100% Redress as defined by the people.”
A letter accompanying the People’s Document asks all recipients for a written response by the Monday 25th March as to how the public representatives and/or their political party will support the principles and practical requirements detailed. In addition, politicians are invited to address a public meeting of homeowners on Tuesday 26th March, 7pm at the Gateway Hotel, Buncrana where they will have the opportunity to communicate their response.
Roisin Gallagher from Redress Focus Groups states, “What started as an avoidable problem is now a full blown disaster. It is a crisis affecting all corners of our society, needing full attention from all departments. The campaigners and the people have spoken – we will no longer accept half-baked efforts and crumbs from the table. We are resilient and determined to resolve this crisis through The People’s Document. With the crisis escalating rapidly, the physical and mental health of those suffering is crumbling faster than our homes. The need for supports to be put in place cannot be denied. Emergency funding must be provided for the Redress Focus Groups Support Hub Proposal.”
Lisa Hone, Chairperson of Mica Action Group states, “The People’s Document, based on the lived experience of impacted homeowners, means there is no excuse for any politician not to understand what needs to be delivered in practical terms. Families victim to this crisis, which was none of their doing, still find themselves without a pathway forward and still having to campaign for true redress. The persistence of this situation is cruel, all politicians know that, even those that are apologists for the Government’s two failed schemes.
“Their response to the document and whether they attend the public meeting on 26th March will make their position very clear to homeowners, who will be able to exercise their vote accordingly.”
The People’s Document Part 1
The People’s Document Part 2