A 100 per cent compensation scheme for “most but not all” mica homeowners is now being considered by the Government.
Among the options being looked at to support people whose homes were built using the defective bricks, is a compensation package that would give homeowners a certain amount per square metre or square foot.
As the Irish Examiner reports, It is understood that this figure would be “evidence based” using average building costs per square metre.
Another possibility being examined would pay homeowners 100 per cent compensation up to a certain threshold.
“We have to be realistic,” a senior source said.
“If someone comes looking to rebuild an €800,000 home we can't give them that. There are going to have to be limitations.2
Another Government source suggested a cap of €500,000 may be placed on any redress payouts, meaning the majority of homeowners would receive 100 per cent redress.
However, this figure is likely to have to include any ancillary costs such as rent paid by people for alternative accommodation when their homes are being rebuilt.
Full redress scheme
The mica issue has caused significant tension within Government as Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael TDs along the western seaboard fear they could be wiped out if a full redress scheme is not introduced.
Fine Gael representatives from Donegal held a meeting on Tuesday to discuss the issue, with one councillor telling the group: “If it's not 100 per cent redress, we may forget about the local elections, let alone the general."
Another elected representative said: “If this doesn't get sorted, Joe [McHugh] and Charlie McConalogue may as well not show up at the doors the next time."
Donegal TDs including Agriculture Mr McConalogue, Pearse Doherty, and Mr McHugh attended a separate high-level meeting with the mica action group on Monday during which they were told that those affected would not settle for less than 100% redress.
“Charlie [McConalogue] will be a key contributor, either for delivery of 100% or disappointment if it doesn’t materialise," one Donegal representative present at the meeting said.
If Charlie wants to keep his seat if it's not 100 per cent, he'll have to resign from cabinet.
“Joe McHugh and Minister McConalogue have been told in no uncertain terms that the last time the people were sold a pup, and they wouldn't stand for it again.”
