A protest is being held in Letterkenny on Saturday May 22nd at 2pm to coincide with a further protest in Buncrana at the same time.

In recent weeks, tensions among home owners have boiled over due to the ‘unfit for purpose’ Mica Redress Scheme and the Council’s use of the company, which supplied the defective blocks to homes across the county, on a public scheme in Inishowen.

Campaigners are calling for the Government to step up and provide 100 per-cent redress, rather than the 90 /10 scheme that is currently in place for homeowners whose homes are crumbling due to defective blocks.

Donegal Sinn Féin T.D’s, Pearse Doherty and Pádraig Mac Lochlainn, also renewed their call for a 100 per cent Mica Redress Scheme and raised the matter on the floor of the Dáil on Tuesday.

Deputy MacLochlainn said: “The evidence across Donegal in recent months is that this grant scheme falls far short of the real financial assistance that the affected families need to make their homes safe. Families are paying way more than 10 per cent in real terms when you factor in VAT, professional fees, the cost of rent when they move out of their home during reconstruction, and the replacement of windows and kitchens.”

“Most of these families already have a mortgage to be repaid and they have told me that this is like adding a second mortgage and locking them into long years ahead of repaying debt. Other families just can’t get a mortgage or loan to cover this cost”

“The people of Donegal deserve nothing less than 100 per cent redress the same as the families who have been supported by the Pyrite Remediation Scheme,” said Deputy MacLochlainn.

The organisers of the protests are urging those taking part in the rally to abide by public health Covid-19 guidelines and wear a mask, while

An Garda Síochána has said that Covid-19 guidelines around gatherings remain in place and have urged people ‘to demonstrate personal and social responsibility.’

A spokesperson said, “An Garda Síochána has no role in permitting or authorising events or gatherings, there is no permit / authorisation required for such events.

“A decision as to whether any event/ gathering takes place or not is a matter for the organisers.

“Where possible An Garda Síochána will advise identified organisers of such events as to their responsibilities and potential consequences.

“The Health Act 1947 (Section 31A (6A)) (COVID-19) (NO.2) Regulations 2021, as amended are currently in force. These regulations place certain restrictions on individuals organising and attending relevant events.

“In supporting the COVID-19 public health guidelines and regulations, An Garda Síochána has been consistent, and will continue to adopt, a graduated policing response based on its tradition of policing by consent.

“This has seen Garda members engage, explain and encourage, as a last resort only, enforce.

“Where Gardaí find potential breaches of the public health regulations a file is prepared for the DPP or a Fixed Payment Notice is issued where appropriate.”