Cassidy’s agree to allow sampling of rock at Buncrana quarry

The Inishowen quarry at the centre of the defective blocks crisis, has agreed to a High Court direction to allow sampling of rock at their facility.

Over 1,400 affected homeowners are suing the block suppliers, Donegal County Council and the National Standards Authority of Ireland.

Cassidy’s have today agreed to a High Court direction to allow sampling of rock at their quarry in Buncrana.

An inspection at the quarry, by a team of experts, agreed by both parties, is expected to take place over the next few months.

It is claimed the block suppliers, among other things, provided blocks and ready-mixed concrete which were not fit for purpose and did not meet the specifications advertised.

Also, in a legal first, an agreement has been reached for the +1,400 High Court writs lodged by homeowners.

Significant progress has been made to allow electronic service of all High Court Writs, cutting paperwork costs and eliminating the cost risk of €1,500 faced by homeowners.

After negotiations with all three defendants, it has been agreed that all High Court writs will be served electronically on all three defendants.

This development has cut potential costs of up to €2.4 million for the multi-party court action taken by Coleman Legal. The firm launched the legal bid for more than 1,400 homeowners last year

The first Statement of Claim was submitted last November on behalf of Malin Head couple William and Grainne Doherty.  The Commercial Court agreed to fast-track the case, which was the first of 1,400 legal actions set to be brought before the court over the mica controversy.

Those funding the legal bid are Donegal businessmen Shaun Hegarty and Adrian Sheridan.

The next court hearing will be October 16.