Crumbling house campaigners say 'gaps remain' in government scheme

A group of homeowners impacted by defective concrete blocks in the Republic of Ireland have criticised a new Irish government financial support scheme.

Thousands of homes have been crumbling because of blocks containing high levels of the mineral Mica.

The mineral absorbs water, which can cause walls to crack and crumble.

The scheme, which is to be capped at €420,000 (£357,500) per household, has "serious flaws" and "gaps remain", the Mica Action Group said.

'Let down'

Mica Action Group chairperson Lisa Hone said homeowners have been left "utterly let down" despite the government’s second attempt at getting the scheme right.

"The facts have been repeatedly and plainly laid in front of them, whether it be the lived experience of those affected, case studies, statistics, scientific evidence and zero-cost solutions put forward by homeowners themselves," Ms Hone said.

"There is no excuse why this scheme should not fully resolve the issues; however, this is not the case.

"Due to the mammoth campaign mounted by homeowners there is progress in certain areas. However, government’s refusal to take on board the complexities and scale of the issue means that serious flaws and gaps remain".

Ms Hone said a number of issues have not been addressed including "a failure to prioritise the vulnerable", "the absence of suitable accommodation" for those impacted and the fact that this scheme "does not cover 100% of true costs".

Mica, which affects thousands of homes, absorbs water, which can cause walls to crack and begin to crumble

'Improved package'

In announcing the enhanced scheme, Housing Minister Darragh O'Brien said he knows the difficulty that affected households have faced in financial and personal terms "has been very significant these past number of years".

“The improved package of measures under this considerably enhanced scheme will mark a new beginning for those who need to remediate their homes".

In 2016 an expert panel was set up in the Republic of Ireland to investigate problems with homes affected by mica and another mineral, pyrite.

In 2019 the Irish government approved a €20m (£17.2m) repair scheme.

But many homeowners said that the scheme was not fit for purpose and called for full redress.

Under the old scheme, eligible homeowners would need to pay 10% of repairs, plus any outstanding mortgage payments on the home, with the government covering 90% of the cost.

In September, a 10% levy on concrete blocks was announced as part of the Irish government's budget.

In November 2021, the government introduced a significant number of improvements to the previous scheme.

Transitional arrangements for the transfer of applicants from the old scheme to the new scheme are in place.

Existing applicants to the original scheme will also be able to benefit retrospectively from the enhancements being introduced under the new scheme, the minister said.

Information on the application process for first-time applicants and for homeowners who applied under the previous scheme can be found here.