DETAILS of the government’s long awaited Mica redress scheme has been announced this afternoon with confirmation that they will pay 90 per cent of the cost of repairing the affected homes.
Minister for Education and Skills, Joe McHugh and Minister for Rural and Community Development, Michael Ring jointly made the announcement following discussions today with An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar and Ministers Paschal Donohoe and Eoghan Murphy.
Speaking about the € 20 million scheme to repair homes affected by Mica and Pyrite in Donegal and Mayo, Minister Ring said: “The scheme is an exceptional measure in response to an exceptional need. Some homeowners are in dire straits. And this is the confirmation that these people need that the Government is to pay 90% of the cost of repairing affected homes.
“The Mica/Pyrite scheme will be financed from central Government over a number of years through the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government and administered and operated at a local authority level in Donegal and Mayo.
“Experts on the scheme from the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government will travel to Donegal next week for discussions with the County Council to advise on any remaining preparations for the roll out of the scheme.”
The announcement follows months of delays since the schemes initial announcement last October.
Minister McHugh said: “I want to pay tribute to the many families who have been living through this nightmare every day for many years. It has been a long road for the many families living with this scandal and we hope now that this scheme gives them some peace of mind.
“I want to acknowledge the work of the Mica Action Group and in particular Eileen Doherty and Ann Owens and other members who have shared their stories and opened their doors to explain the conditions they are living in. The people affected by this have shown immense patience, determination and fortitude in working with us to secure this resolution.”
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