A number of campaign groups in Donegal, who are calling for 100% redress for people living in homes with defective blocks, have joined forces to publish a "People's Document" to send to every politician and political party in the country in advance of upcoming elections.
"The People's Document - the Definition of a True 100% Redress Scheme" - has been drafted, but those behind it are now calling on affected homeowners to come to a public meeting next Monday night to give their input to the document before it is sent to politicians in advance of the local and European elections in June.
The campaigners have highlighted numerous issues with the current redress scheme and say that with "a focus on the next 12 months, when voters will have a 1 in 5 year opportunity to vote in three elections (general election, local council elections and MEP elections) campaigners across Donegal have come together to work on a joint initiative to define a true 100% Redress Scheme".
100% Redress, Mica Action Group (MAG), Redress Focus Groups and campaigner Michael Doherty have been working on the document which has four principles of 100% redress.
- Property: Rebuild "like for like" to current standards.
- Process: End to end scheme administered by the state, at no cost to the homeowner, with an opt out for those that prefer to build themselves.
- People and Support: No one left behind - prioritisation yes, exclusion no.
- Prevention: Never allowed to happen again through the implementation of meaningful regulatory governance and a public enquiry to hold those responsible to account.
Chair of MAG Lisa Hone said that "Government's failure to listen and do the work required has resulted in a scheme that is clearly not 100% redress, ignores rigorous peer-reviewed science and leaves people behind".
She called on homeowners to come to the meeting in An Grianan Hotel, Burt on 4 March to hear the detail of the working document and have their say, so that as comprehensive a document as possible can be sent to politicians who will be asked for their response.
Political representatives will also be invited to a further public meeting on 26 March, and Ms Hone said that following that people should have a clear idea of how they should vote in the elections.
Campaigner Michael Doherty said: "Over the last few years, during the battle for a workable scheme, opposition politicians are on the record with their support for a real 100% Redress Scheme. Should there be a change of Government in the next twelve months, it will be time to honour their pledges and deliver. With that in mind, it is crucial to have clarity from all affected on exactly what a true 100% Redress looks like."
"Nobody knows what is needed to truly resolve this crisis better than the homeowners themselves, so the opportunities from an election year must be seized," said Roisin Gallagher of Redress Focus Groups.
"By setting out exactly what is needed, sends an unequivocal message to politicians of what is acceptable."
"This is a call out to all affected homeowners to come to the meeting next Monday to give their input on how they see a true 100% Redress Scheme working and be part of agreeing a document which will send a very clear message to politicians," said Paddy Diver of 100% Redress.
