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Inishowen Mica homes ‘not safe to
live in’
20.12.17
HUNDREDS of families
affected by the defective blocks issue in Donegal
have been given hope this Christmas with a
Government commitment that a redress scheme will be
formulated within five months.
Members of the Mica Action Group met Minister Damien
English at the Donegal County Council Public Service
Centre in Carndonagh this week to discuss the issue.
He was reminded of the "untold stress" for hundreds
of families created by their housing problems and
the "apparent lack of urgency" to help them compared
to how Pyrite homeowners were treated in Leinster. |
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Some of the 400 people who turned out
in Carndonagh this week over the defective blocks
issue. |
Mica Action Group
secretary Ann Owens said: “Tonight we had more than
400 people turn up to meet the minister and show him
that, even at such short notice, and in the week of
Christmas, people are willing to take time to show
the minister how important this issue is in the
county and we need to see a solution urgently.
"Minister English assured the Mica Action Group and
the homeowners present that following implementation
of recommendations one and two that the Government
will move swiftly to bring a solution to this issue
for those affected," she added.
One of those who showed up was young Amy Lafferty
who gave Mr English a handwritten letter asking him
to ‘please help us as I just want our family to be
happy again’. |
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A heartfelt letter written by young
Amy Lafferty to Minister Damien English. |
Other families such as
Tina and Harry Crumlish from Culdaff and Maria
Fraser from Buncrana turned up and met the minister
personally. Both families have been told that their
privately-built homes are no longer safe to live in
and they must move out immediately for the safety of
them and their families.
Ms Owens added: “We are all frustrated at the pace
of progress as, as each week passes, our homes are
getting worse. Tonight we felt a real sense of
commitment from the minister and are heartened to
hopefully see the end in sight." |
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