A large gathering is expected at a public meeting in Buncrana, Co Donegal tonight to discuss calls for 100% redress for homeowners affected by defective concrete products in the county.
Public representatives have been invited to the meeting at the Inishowen Gateway Hotel, which is a follow up to a meeting held in Inishowen earlier this month when a number of campaigners and campaign groups came together to get the feedback of people as to how a "true" 100% redress scheme would work.
Arising out of that meeting, a document called the People's Document was completed and sent to all TDs, Senators, MEPs, political party head offices and Donegal county councillors, asking for their response.
Organisers say the reaction of those politicians to the document will help people decide how to vote in the upcoming local, European and general elections.
In a letter attached to the document, campaigners told politicians that the current Government scheme "falls far short of what homeowners need to escape this scourge".
It highlighted key issues addressed in the document, including the view that the scheme "is clearly not 100% redress, leaving families with even the most modest of homes with shortfalls of tens of thousands of euros".
It states that the "recommended remediations do not take into account scientific research evidence that the root cause of the issue is internal sulphate attack in all counties, not mica freeze thaw."
It also said the scheme "discriminates against those who have limited resources or complex circumstances whether that be economic means, physical and/or mental health issues or those who are dealing with disability."
Lisa Hone of the Mica Action Group said the document "demands clarity from politicians and political parties" as to what they are prepared to deliver "in this important election year".
She said this will in turn inform homeowners before they cast their votes.
"This crisis has already been allowed to grind on unresolved for far too long," Ms Hone said.
"After two failed schemes and years of bitter experience, homeowners know what is needed. Broad brush pledges that are open to interpretation are just not going to cut it, those affected need to see real commitment on how the specifics would be delivered for politicians to earn their vote."
One of those involved in the People's Document initiative is Michael Doherty.
He said the meeting tonight is a "unique opportunity to hear politicians respond to The People’s Document and for those affected to put their questions directly to the politicians".
"We cannot guarantee that all Donegal public representatives will turn up, that's ultimately up to them," Mr Doherty said.
"But that in itself will reveal where one of the most serious issues our county has ever experienced sits in their priorities."
The 100% Redress Party, which is not involved in the organisation of tonight's meeting, has endorsed the People's Document. A special meeting of the party recently welcomed the initiative and said it would hopefully "move us closer to securing a genuine 100% redress scheme for all those affected by defective concrete."
However, a statement from the party added that they "would like to see all properties in Northern Ireland built with defective concrete products purchased in Ireland included within the definition of a true 100% redress, and not just those property owners who are paying tax in the State."
The newly registered political party plans to run at least four candidates in the local elections in Donegal in June.
