Mica redress and accountability
Deputy Pringle pressed for a proper mica redress scheme and raised alleged council knowledge of defective blocks and homes. The Taoiseach said the Government’s priority was a comprehensive scheme for householders, with accountability considered separately, and noted that a public inquiry would take years.
As those affected by mica in County Donegal and elsewhere face further delays in waiting for the Cabinet to agree a proper and functional redress scheme, we were hit with further revelations about the entangled relationship of Donegal County Council with the quarry site that produced the mica-riddled blocks, as well as the purchases of mica-affected homes in Buncrana. As reported by local media in Donegal last week, Donegal County Council knew in early November 2019 that the properties at An Crannla contained mica. However, this fact was not communicated to the then Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government and it is unclear whether it was communicated to the council's solicitors. It also appears that some quarry sites may not have had planning permission or proper enforcement of planning conditions by Donegal County Council, yet they have been major suppliers to the council of the years. A 100% redress scheme is needed. Accountability is also needed. We need transparency to learn how this was allowed to happen. Will the Government legislate to establish a public inquiry into the operation of Donegal County Council with regard to the mica saga?
Comment on this
The Government's main focus is on drawing up a scheme to comprehensively deal with issues for householders who have been affected by mica. Parallel with that, we are looking at accountability and at which legal mechanisms may be available. The Deputy refers to a public inquiry. That would take a minimum of five or six years and would not deal with the immediate issue, knowing how things happen.