Mica report will reflect differences between officials and campaigners

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has pledged a “massive programme” of public spending to pay for the rebuilding and restoration of homes affected by mica damage, but officials remain opposed to a scheme that grants 100 per cent redress for every house affected, as campaigners have sought.

A final decision on a new scheme will not be made until proposals are brought to Government, expected in two to three weeks.

Minister for Housing Darragh O’Brien met with the mica steering group last night, but differences remain within the group between representatives of the householders and department officials.

Mr O’Brien said he would publish the report of the group on Thursday, though the views of the officials and the campaigners are unlikely to be reconciled, and it is expected the report will reflect both positions.

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He will then bring proposals for a new scheme to government, where there continues to be strong resistance to an open-ended commitment to meet all costs.

Officials are said to favour a scheme that will see close supervision of costs and a cap to prevent the State paying for very expensive houses.

New legislation

Senior sources last night said the figure of €300,000-350,000 for replacement or remedial works had been mooted as a cap, though further costs for rent and storage could be added. It is understood new legislation will be required.

Mr Martin told reporters the solution the Government was working on to resolve the long-running issue was complicated and costly, but far more complex than simply offering affected homeowners in Donegal, Mayo, Clare and other counties 100 per cent redress.

There were issues around the type of house, house size, whether the State should foot the rental bill while homes were being rebuilt and how upfront costs would be dealt with.

Mr O’Brien said he agreed “wholeheartedly with the homeowner representatives that what has happened to them is through absolutely no fault of their own. Let me be very clear that there will be no delaying this process. I absolutely understand the urgency associated with this matter and I want a scheme which works for people.”

Campaigners also issued a statement, calling for Government to “do the right thing” and grant 100 per cent redress for all families affected.