Defective block campaigners launch initiative to find ‘true 100% redress scheme’

Defective concrete block campaigners across Donegal have come together to work on a joint initiative to define “a true 100% redress scheme”.  

The initiative comes ahead of a 12-month period which will see three elections - a general election, local elections and  European elections.

Three campaign groups - 100% Redress, Mica Action Group and Redress  Focus Groups have come together to formulate a document which articulates the key principles of a true 100% Redress Scheme. 

Homeowners affected by the defective concrete crisis are being urged by the campaign groups to attend a meeting on March 4 at  7pm at the An Grianan Hotel, Burt to have their say “on what a true 100% Redress Scheme looks like”.  

Peoples’ Document  – The Definition of a True 100% Redress. The Peoples’ Document will then be sent to every political party and politician for their response. A follow-up public meeting is planned for  March 26 where elected representatives will get the opportunity to address affected homeowners directly with their response to the Peoples’ Document.  

Paddy Diver of 100% Redress said: “Both Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael had their chance to get this scheme right and they blew it. The campaign is still working hard for change and over the next twelve months, all politicians will have to account for their actions on the doorstep and at the ballot box, locally and nationally. 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.”  

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. Over the last few months, we  have been working to set out the principles of a real 100% Redress Scheme. We now have a working document which  we want to bring to the people to get their feedback. This is vital as the aim is to create The Peoples’ Document – The  Definition of a True 100% Redress agreed by the people affected.” 

Roisin Gallagher pf Redress Focus Groups states “This cross-campaign group has been working hard over the last few  months to lay down the principles of an inclusive, true and fair 100% Redress Scheme. 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. By setting out exactly what is needed, sends an unequivocal message to politicians of what is acceptable. This is  an opportunity for homeowners to challenge politicians to do the right thing and exercise the power of the ballot box  to take back control of our own fate, no longer leaving it in the hands of others who clearly do not have the best  interests of us, our children, our communities and futures at heart.” 

100% Redress Party concerned that engineers ‘are being ignored’ by Housing Agency

The new political party says it has received reports that the agency is ignoring the recommendations of experts

Lisa Hone, chair of the Mica Action Group said: “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. We continue to work hard to try to fix the flaws, but the reality is the scheme will never be right until it is a true 100% Redress which  enables everyone affected to escape this scourge. The politicians’ response to the Peoples’ Document will reveal very  clearly where this issue sits in their priorities and whether they deserve your vote. The message to all impacted by the  Defective Concrete Crisis is there has never been a more important time to be involved and ensure you are registered  to vote. Your voice is your vote.” 

At the meeting on March 4 the groups will present the detail behind “the four principles of 100% Redress”: Property  - Rebuilt ‘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, proper and timely supports for those affected, with particular attention to those who have additional needs; Prevention  - never allowed to happen again through the implementation of meaningful regulatory governance and a public  enquiry to hold those responsible to account.