MICA campaigners are gearing up for another day in Dublin and are urging the people of Donegal to prepare for a protest in the capital on Friday, October 8 if their demands are not met by the government. The campaigners are demanding 100 per cent redress for their crumbling homes, a 40-year State guarantee and a public inquiry.

Mica campaigner Paddy Diver told the  Donegal News yesterday they will not lie down and accept anything less than 100 per cent and said a public inquiry is essential so that this never happens again. Campaigners presented their ‘final position’ to government officials on Friday and have been promised a report back by the end of the month.

Mr Diver said homeowners have been pushed to the limit and their mental health has been tortured. He said if Minister for Housing, Darragh O’Brien does not come back with 100 per cent then they will stage “the biggest protest Dublin has ever seen”.

He said: “We are not going to sit back and let the can be kicked down the street. We are going into another Christmas. We are going down to let them know that we won’t lie down. There are lives at stake here. We have a duty, a duty to stand up for our neighbours, even if you don’t have mica, we have a duty to stand up.”

The last protest in Dublin, which took place in June, focused on the Convention Centre in the docklands area of the city but this time Mr Diver said they will take their fight into the centre of the capital. The protest falls on a Friday, a day Mr Diver believes they will get maximum exposure.

“Dublin is going to come to a standstill and that is what we are targeting,” he said.
“We expect Dublin to come out with us and the rest of the counties. This is the biggest fight of our lives.”
transport
Buses are currently being organised ahead of the protest and supporters are being encouraged to get in touch with operators.
Anyone wishing to attend from the Letterkenny and surrounding areas can contact Bryan Margey (087-3550083) or Charlie Gibbons (086-8637744) for Inishowen buses.

“Buses will be leaving from same places, we hope at the same times and we will confirm details in due course,” said Mr Gibbons.
“There will be a €10 charge per head on this occasion to be paid on the morning of the protest to your bus driver. Please bring your own banners and posters.”