Sinn Féin Mayo senator Rose Conway-Walsh has said that much more detail and a time-frame is needed from the Department of Housing, Communities and Local Government regarding the remediation scheme for homes affected by Mica and Pyrite.
Conway-Walsh recently received an update on the Government’s plans to roll out the scheme in affected areas, including Mayo. She said this week: "In October 2018 the Government agreed in principle to the development of a scheme of financial assistance to affected home owners in Mayo and Donegal.
"In May this year a figure of €20 million within the housing budget was allocated. Now we are being told that the delay in setting a date for commencement of the scheme is because Government are still finalising the terms and conditions of the scheme as well as consulting with local authorities.
"I find it hard to believe that this preparation was not carried out as soon as the scheme was agreed to in principle. There is a relatively small window of opportunity to carry out such major structural work to houses.
"That time is ticking away as we speak. Government needs to speed this up and at least open up the scheme and start accepting applications. This would allow homeowners get quotes and give a rough estimate to builders of when work may commence. Without this, home owners are in no better position than they were this time last year.
"I am also concerned that the involvement of local authorities does not add any delay or extra layer of administration, which has happened in other schemes delivered through local authorities. Home owners need dates and the guarantee of direct funding to carry out essential works to their homes."
