Donegal homeowners want an inquiry into defective concrete blocks used to build their homes.
Since the gable end of Karl Murtagh's house in Raphoe, County Donegal began to crack and crumble, it has been supported by scaffolding,
It’s just turning into a nightmare.
Defective concrete blocks appear to be the cause of the problem. Chartered civil engineer Damien McKay explains why mica in the building blocks is causing so much damage to buildings in Donegal. He points out where the wall of Karl Murtagh’s home is moving away from the window openings. The only remedy is,
To take down the blockwork and replace it again, rebuild again.
Insurance companies will not cover this work and Karl Murtagh is not financially able to go beyond his mortgage payments,
I am supposed to be able to fix my house and pay a mortgage at the same time, which is nearly impossible.
William McElhinney from Moville in County Donegal is chairperson of the Mica Action Group (MAG). His home has two walls affected by cracking,
The house I believe is moving.
William McElhinney states the significance of the mica issue for families in Donegal,
Basically, we don’t feel safe, I didn’t sleep last winter because during the storms I don’t feel secure or safe in this house anymore.
MAG believes there are hundreds if not thousands of homes are affected by mica. The government is sympathetic but believes the resolution lies between householders and their contractors.
The homeowners consider this unrealistic believing they should be treated the same as those affected by pyrite and an inquiry and redress scheme set up. MAG is seeking 100% redress for those affected by defective concrete homes and buildings.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 15 November 2014. The reporter is Eileen Magnier.
