by Louise Doyle

DONEGAL homeowners affected by defective building materials are being urged by a number of campaign groups to attend an important meeting to agree on what a true 100 per cent Redress Scheme would be.

Well known groups including 100% Redress represented by Paddy Diver and Lisa Doherty, Mica Action Group (MAG) represented by Lisa Hone and Tricia Sullivan, Redress Focus Groups represented by Roisin Gallagher and campaigner Michael Doherty have been drawing up a document which sets out the crucial principles of a true 100 per cent redress scheme.

A public meeting will take place on Monday, March 4, in An Grianan Hotel in Burt at 7pm to gauge the views of affected homeowners on what they believe should be covered in order to obtain 100 per cent redress.

The feedback gathered will then be incorporated into ‘The Peoples’ Document – The Definition of a True 100% Redress which will be sent to every political party and politician for their response.

A follow up public meeting is planned for March 26 where elected representatives will get the opportunity to address affected homeowners directly with their response to the Peoples’ Document.

They are also stressing how vitally important it is that everyone ensures they are registered to vote in the forthcoming June local and European elections and the general election when it is called.

Campaigners, including Paddy Diver, who led thousands onto the streets of Dublin to protest at the treatment of Donegal homeowners, have cited the important election year ahead and urged homeowners affected by the Defective Concrete Crisis to attend Monday evening’s important meeting.

“Both Fianna Fail and Fine Gael had their chance to get this scheme right and they blew it. The campaign is still working hard for change and over the next twelve months, all politicians will have to account for their actions on the doorstep and at the ballot box, locally and nationally.

“This is a call out to all affected homeowners to come to the meeting next Monday to give their input on how they see a true 100% Redress Scheme working and be part of agreeing a document which will send a very clear message to politicians,” said Mr Diver.

Campaigner Michael Doherty, said: “Over the last few years, during the battle for a workable scheme, opposition politicians are on the record with their support for a real 100% Redress Scheme.

“Should there be a change of Government in the next twelve months, it will be time to honour their pledges and deliver. With that in mind, it is crucial to have clarity from all affected on exactly what a true 100% Redress looks like. Over the last few months we have been working to set out the principles of a real 100% Redress Scheme. We now have a working document which we want to bring to the people to get their feedback. This is vital as the aim is to create The Peoples’ Document – The Definition of a True 100% Redress agreed by the people affected.”

The group of campaigners will present their four principles of 100% redress.

The four P’s include: Property – Rebuilt ‘like for like’ to current standards.

The process – End to end scheme administered by the State, at no cost to the homeowner, with an opt out for those that prefer to build themselves.

People and Support – No one left behind – prioritisation yes, exclusion no while the provision of proper and timely supports for those affected, with particular attention to those who have additional needs.

Prevention – Never allowed to happen again through the implementation of meaningful regulatory governance and a public enquiry to hold those responsible to account.

Lisa Hone, Chair of MAG, said the government has “failed to listen and do the work required that has resulted in a scheme that is clearly not 100% Redress”.

“The politicians’ response to the Peoples’ Document will reveal very clearly where this issue sits in their priorities and whether they deserve your vote. The message to all impacted by the Defective Concrete Crisis is there has never been a more important time to be involved and ensure you are registered to vote. Your voice is your vote.”

In September of last year, the new political party 100% Redress Party was officially approved to contest local and Dáil elections.

A spokesperson for the party told the Donegal News that the selection process for candidates locally is “coming to a close” with candidates to be “announced in the near future” ahead of the local elections.