Mica Action Group announces it is winding up after more than 10 years of campaigning

The Mica Action Group (Mag) , which was set up to campaign for homeowners affected by defective concrete blocks, has announced that it is to wind up operations after more than a decade.

The group said in a statement that its committee members - who have all campaigned for years - are stepping down and with insufficient volunteers to form a new committee, a vote to dissolve took place at a general meeting on August 1.

The organisation said that since its formation in 2014 by a group of Donegal homeowners, it “has been at the forefront of the defective concrete crisis, giving a voice to the thousands of impacted homeowners, leading the charge for change and pushing Government to provide a way forward for those affected. The group shone a national and international spotlight on the crisis, forcing it onto the political agenda and securing significant, if incomplete redress measures”.

The statement said that the group’s “diligent gathering of information, creation of a grassroots movement and membership of over 2400 to date, evidenced that the issue was not simply a handful of affected homes, but a hugely serious issue that impacts thousands”.

“Sustained lobbying, public meetings, representation at local council, at Oireachtas and European levels in addition to a relentless media/social media campaign resulted in the original and then ‘enhanced’ defective concrete blocks schemes. More recently an increase in the scheme grants was agreed and consideration for ‘side-by-side’ building for homeowners in particular circumstances."

The group said that in light of the irrefutable scientific evidence that Internal Sulphate Attack is the cause of the degradation of concrete, it constantly challenged the scheme protocol, which resulted in the publication of a revised NSAI IS465 as part of the on-going review.

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“This is not an ending – it’s a passing of the baton,” chairperson Lisa Hone said. “The campaign has sustained itself for more than a decade through constant adaptation and innovation. Change is still needed for a real 100% redress scheme, a science-led technical standard, and robust regulatory oversight from all parties in the production of concrete. The campaign has evolved again in the last year with the election of the 100% Redress Councillors and TD and marks a powerful new chapter in the cause. We are confident that the movement is in capable hands.

“For homeowners who may want to volunteer, there are still opportunities to campaign with the Banking and Insurance Group, the Downgraded Homeowners Group and 100% Redress Party.

“We would like to extend heartfelt thanks to all the homeowners, to members of MAG and MAG Committees past and present, and to everyone who has supported MAG over more than a decade of challenges. We wish all affected homeowners the very best in your journey. It has been a privilege to represent you.”