Featured photo: Lisa Hone, Chair of Mica Action Group
The Mica Action Group has told its 2,500 members that only a change in government can bring real change.
The campaign group’s election statement has put little faith in the existing Government parties, based on their experience over the years.
“In order to achieve a true science led 100% redress scheme that is readily accessible for all, including an end to end option for those affected, we believe a change of Government is necessary,” the committee said.
As Ireland sits five days away from polling day, the Mica Action Group says they’ve only had positive engagement with opposition – Sinn Féin, 100% Redress Party and Independent Deputy Thomas Pringle.
“We find ourselves in a situation where despite Government having had two attempts to get this scheme right, they have failed. At the core of this is Government’s refusal to genuinely listen and act according to homeowners’ lived experiences,” they said.
MAG says that the current defective concrete block scheme poses financial limits, lack of practical support and inflexibility that is stopping many homeowners from progressing.
“It would appear that Government have very much listened to the advice of the former Attorney General who expressed concern that to make the DCB scheme more generous would encourage more people to apply”, they said.
“So it would seem the Government’s position is that they want some people to apply to make it appear like the scheme is working, but they don’t want all affected to apply in order to limit costs.”
MAG’s statement to homeowners said that Fianna Fáil is aware of the all the issues, yet does not seem to “want” to make practical measures such as an end-to-end scheme, side by side building, penalty free downsizing or a transfer of eligibility.
Campaigners also say that Fine Gael’s promise of a rapid review of the scheme gives them little confidence.
“This statement displays more of the cynical, uncaring foot-dragging that has persisted for over a decade,” they said.
The Green Party, they said, “have failed to engage on any of the defective concrete issues” and missed an opportunity to promote the rebuilding of homes and buildings affected to current energy efficient standards.
The group outlined positive support and engagement from Sinn Féin, 100% Redress Party and Thomas Pringle TD. They also told members that Labour, People before Profit and Aontú have expressed support and commitment to the principles of the People’s Document, which campaigners say lays out the true definition of 100% Redress.
The committee has called on all members to cast their votes on 29th November.
They said: “For homeowners, families and communities impacted by the devastation of the Defective Concrete Block Crisis there has never been a more important time to make our voices heard by casting our votes.”