CLARE’S Fine Gael TD has moved to scotch claims circulating online that he has not publicly backed the campaign for 100% redress for homeowners affected by pyrite and mica, writes Fiona McGarry.

Deputy Joe Carey pointed out that, contrary to assertions by the Mica Action Group in a number of social media posts, he supports 100% redress.

He said he has “consistently articulated that position publicly and in representations to Minister O’Brien”.

During Minister Darragh O’Brien’s visit to Clare at the end of last month, Deputy Carey was asked specifically whether he supports increasing the level of grant support available under the Defective Concrete Blocks Scheme from 90 to 100%.

“I have advocated to Minister O’Brien the need for a 100% redress scheme across the board,” he told the Clare media.

“I don’t think it’s right at homeowners, through no fault of their own, should have to bear the costs of associated with pyrite and the follow-up from it.

“I’ve made that case in writing, and I’ve spoken verbally to Minister O’Brien, and continue to do so. Obviously, work is ongoing in terms of tweaks to the current scheme that’s there. That is a scheme that was introduced a number of years ago.

“Issues have been unearthed in terms of the limitations, which I think need to be addressed now. There is work ongoing and that hopefully can be concluded fairly soon and we’ll have the scheme that will be fit for purpose.”

The level of grant support is one of a number of issues currently being examined by a working group whose membership includes homeowners in Donegal and Mayo, the only counties currently where the grant scheme for defective blocks is available.

The group’s recommendations are due before the end of the month.

The body was set up following a massive protest in June calling for 100% redress.

Deputy Carey and a number of other Clare Oireachtas members attended to voice their support.

The call for 100% redress has also been backed by Clare County Council in the report it sent to the Department of Housing, at the end of July, making the case for Clare to be allowed access to
the Defective Concrete Blocks Grant Scheme.

Minister O’Brien indicated on his visit to Clare that a decision is due shortly.