A DELEGATION of four Irish and four international MEPs are in Donegal this week to see first hand the devastation caused by defective building materials here and the impact it has had on householders. The eight will then meet with the Minister for Housing in Dublin before a complete report is compiled for the EU Commission.
MEP Colm Markey is joined by fellow North West MEPs Maria Walsh, Luke Ming Flanagan and Chris McManus as well as those from Estonia, Spain and Latvia. The visit is a follow-up to several petitions that were received and debated by the EU Committee on Petitions, highlighting the issue of defective mica blocks used in construction in Ireland.
Speaking to the Donegal News Mr Markey said it was a fact finding mission aimed at raising awareness at EU level.
“It’s quite significant that a delegation from the European Parliament is coming to Ireland to specifically look into the defective concrete block issue and meet with those affected. The mission is primarily about gaining a comprehensive understanding of what transpired and ensuring that it does not happen again.
The delegation will inspect the affected buildings, meet with homeowners who are impacted, engage with experts in the field and hold discussions with the Minister for Housing before submitting a comprehensive report to the European Commission. The visit sends out a strong message that the European Parliament is listening and engaging with people directly affected by this crisis on the ground”, he said.
He added that they would be looking at the Government’s Enhanced Defective Concrete Blocks Grant Scheme and how emergency funding might be made available to affected householders and the possibility of zero rate finance with the banks brought on board.
One of the first meetings the delegation will have is with Letterkenny Community Childcare at Lisnennan. A building funded by the EU which is now crumbling because of defective materials.
The facilities Secretary Geraldine Burke told the Donegal News that she hopes the MEPs visit will also highlight the fact there is no redress scheme at present for buildings like theirs and other business or state owned buildings and properties used by the public.
“We are hoping they will look at some form of recompense for other affected building owners and users. We were built with EU money and now we are trying to fundraise to find a new site. We have 124 families on our waiting list. I want them to see that our building is crumbling. If we do not get alternative facilities it will leave 160 families without childcare,” Ms Burke said.
MEP Markey was loath to discuss whether or not the public purse will have to compensate other building owners, including state owned, apart from households but did hint that EU funding may be an option. He stressed that householders were the immediate priority.
“I fully comprehend the significant challenges faced by the homeowners and it’s crucial that they have straightforward access to the Enhanced Defective Concrete Blocks Grant Scheme. The Government has already accepted a proposal to establish an Oversight Committee in the Department of Housing and I believe this group should meet urgently to address a number of issues relating to the fund.
“The Committee should include representatives from the Department, Government agencies, banks, the insurance sector, the construction industry and the MICA Redress Group who can work together to ensure the smooth roll-out of the scheme. Additionally, the banks need to step up and offer zero-interest loans to the homeowners.”
Receive quality journalism wherever you are, on any device. Keep up to date from the comfort of your own home with a digital subscription.
Any time | Any place | Anywhere
SUBSCRIBE TO CURRENT EDITION TODAY
and get access to our archive editions dating back to 2007(CLICK ON THE TITLE BELOW TO SUBSCRIBE)