MEPs to travel to Donegal next week to discuss defective mica blocks

MEPs from the European Parliment, which is based in Brussels, are due in Donegal early next week

placeholder image — MEPs from the European Parliment, which is based in Brussels, are due in Donegal early next week

From Monday to Wednesday of next week, eight MEPs will travel to the north-west to engage with local authorities and residents, campaigners and experts on the defective concrete blocks used in the construction of buildings across Ireland

A group of MEPs will engage with stakeholders in Donegal on the issue of defective mica blocks next week.

From Monday, October 30, to Wednesday, November 1, eight MEPs will travel to the north-west to engage with local authorities and residents, campaigners and experts on the defective concrete blocks used in the construction of buildings across Ireland.

To investigate issues raised by several petitioners, this Fact-Finding Visit (FFV) is organised in order to follow-up on the several petitions received and debated by the Committee on Petitions on the use of defective mica blocks in construction in Ireland, alleged non-compliance with the EU Construction Products Regulation and the protection of homeowners.

These petitions deal with the problem of defective concrete blocks used in the construction of many homes, more than 6,000, in the northwest of Ireland over the last two decades. These blocks were unfit for purpose because of the presence of Muscovite Mica in the aggregate that was used in the manufacture of the blocks.

Given the continuous deterioration of the situation and the ongoing revision of the EU Construction Products Regulation, the aim of the FFV in the affected region is to inspect affected buildings and to listen to the petitioners in Donegal and meet with members of Donegal County Council, experts in the field, and Darragh O’Brien TD, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage and other officials.

The delegation consists of Official Members of the European Parliament's PETI Committee Ms Dolors Montserrat - Chair of the PETI Committee (EPP, Spain); Ms Yana Toom (Renew, Estonia); Ms Sira Rego (the Left, Spain); Ms Tatjana Ždanoka (NI, Latvia). Accompanying Members of the European Parliament Mr Colm Markey (EPP, Ireland)

Ms Maria Walsh (EPP, Ireland), Mr Luke Ming Flanagan (the Left, Ireland) and Mr Chris MacManus (the Left, Ireland).