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Republic of Ireland manager Stephen Kenny has thrown his support behind families affected by the Mica scandal.<\/p>\nRepublic of Ireland manager Stephen Kenny has thrown his support behind families affected by the Mica scandal.<\/p>\n
It comes ahead of a huge protest march planned to take place in Dublin on Tuesday, with thousands expected to march on Leinster House.<\/p>\n
Defective building blocks containing the mineral mica have caused cracks and fissures to open up in an estimated 5,000 to 6,000 homes primarily in Donegal and Mayo.<\/p>\n
Campaigners have criticized the Government redress scheme and are calling for 100 per cent of their costs, with many of the homes facing demolition.<\/p>\n
On Monday, the Ireland boss lent his voice to the growing numbers supporting the campaign in a video posted online.<\/p>\n
Mr Kenny said: \u201cI lived in Donegal for many years and I\u2019ve seen first hand families being so distressed because their houses are literally disintegrating before their eyes.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey\u2019re unsure if they can live in their homes, where will they live. They can never sell their homes.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a huge number of houses. It\u2019s so stressful for them, because they\u2019ve put themselves out there with their families, getting substantial mortgages. Trying to do the right thing, with very little redress.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe really hope a solution can be found, a fair and equitable solution for all the families. Because they\u2019re hardworking people and they deserve a fair solution.\u201d<\/p>\n
It was reported at the weekend that Taoiseach Miche\u00e1l Martin was seeking a meeting with the affected families ahead of Tuesday\u2019s protest.<\/p>\n
Housing Minister Darragh O\u2019Brien has warned the cost of the current redress scheme has already exceeded \u20ac1 billion.<\/p>\n
Campaigners have criticized the scheme for an upfront charge of \u20ac5,000 for access, failing to provide alternative accommodation and covering 90 per cent of costs, compared to 100 per cent covered by the Pyrite scheme, which also involved faulty materials resulting in damage to homes.<\/p>\n
The union Siptu have also come out in support of the campaign.<\/p>\n
Organizer Kevin McKinney said: \u201cThere has been a clear failure to adequately police compliance with the regulations governing construction materials.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese regulations are supposed to protect families from the issues that thousands are now having to endure.<\/p>\n
\u201cFamilies have no choice but to continue to pay a mortgage for a home that is worthless.<\/p>\n
\u201cMany have been forced to move out of their homes due to them becoming unsafe, with some resorting to living in caravans as they cannot afford to rent.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Government has proposed a completely inadequate redress scheme for the homeowners affected.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe owners of these homes are not at fault in anyway and should not be out of pocket for carrying out the remedial work required.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat is needed is a commitment from the Government to provide the homeowners affected with 100 per cent compensation for carrying out the work necessary to make their homes inhabitable.\u201d<\/p>\n