The Mica Redress Team met with TDs and Government representatives on Friday morning and was told the memo on the enhanced mica redress scheme is planned to be brought to Cabinet on ‘Mica Day’ Tuesday November 9.

The memo is expected to outline to the Government’s new and improved plan for the scheme and how it will compensate and assist families whose homes are affected by mica.

The memo has been drafted following extensive meetings with mica homeowners who are seeking the provision of 100 per cent redress for mica homeowners, the removal of excluded homes and a 40-year-state guarantee on any work that is carried out on mica-affected homes.

Eileen Doherty of the Mica Action Group took part of the meeting and she explained that Minister for Agriculture, Charlie McConalogue confirmed that the Government is working to have the proposal ready for November 9.

“We had hoped to hear about the proposals sooner but we are glad that we finally have a date.

“Some families have put everything on hold and are waiting patiently on the details of the scheme so this brings a bit of progress and some relief that something will happen soon.

“We also asked about how the scheme would be rolled out and urged the Government to ensure that work is ongoing behind the scenes on rolling out the scheme, rather than waiting on November 9 before starting that work.

“We will meet again in the coming weeks but we are just praying and hoping that the Government makes the right decision and ends this nightmare for everyone.

“We want the proposals to enable all the families to get on the scheme and help fix and rebuild their homes,” said Ms Doherty.

The meeting also discussed the danger of some ‘critical homes’ and anyone who is living in a home where the walls are at risk of falling or causing injury to occupants is asked to get in touch with Donegal County Council.

Ms Doherty continued, “Unfortunately some families don’t have time on their hands and their houses won’t last the winter.

“It is really important that if a house is at risk of collapse, damage or injury, contact Martin McDermott in Donegal County Council.

“We need to be sure that families are safe in their homes and not at risk because these houses will only get worse during the winter months,” said Ms Doherty.