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Original poster

Hand hold needed, myself and family are homeless.

122 replies

Eggsdancing · 10/10/2021 13:56

I am one of those affected by the mica scandal in Ireland where the houses are falling down and there is little Government support. I am a 47-year-old mother of four with a disabled husband. I am the breadwinner and we have to move out of our house as it is set to fall down. I only have 2 sisters who face similar so we can't stay with them and brother lives in Canada. My parents are dead.

I don't know what I am looking for here, I feel ready to just drop. I am trying to stay positive for my kids, the oldest being 11. I really don't know how I am going to cope. We are left financially ruined and our house is falling down around us and unsafe to live in. We have to move into a caravan. It feels like hell, I thought my husband getting MS in 2015 was the worst thing to happen but this is hell. I literally don't know how I can cope. I have lost my home.

OP posts:
everythingcrossed · 10/10/2021 14:00

I've heard about this scandal - is there any chance of financial compensation? It seems so utterly unfair.

PyjamaFan · 10/10/2021 14:02

That sounds absolutely terrible. You poor thing.

Is there no other support available elsewhere?

Flowers
Original poster
Eggsdancing · 10/10/2021 14:05

We paid nearly 9000 euro to get the house checked and that has given us clearance to obtain the grant which is 90% of the house but that doesn't take into account inflation charges as we built the house in 2005. If we have to pay the 10 percent we are looking at at least another 140k.

That can't happen as we are already paying the mortgage on this, it's a nightmare. That and getting on the scheme and going through it is a timely operation and can take at least a year we were told to get permission to build etc. It's also filled with extensive paperwork etc I just don't have the energy or time to fill. I'm working as a nurse 12 hour days and doing extra caring work on the side to provide food. Husband can't work. I feel like ending it all.

OP posts:
QuestionableMouse · 10/10/2021 14:07

I'm so sorry. I haven't heard anything about this before but it sounds like a nightmare.

MrsMoastyToasty · 10/10/2021 14:08

Do you have legal support with your buildings insurance?

Original poster
Eggsdancing · 10/10/2021 14:09

This is a teacher in my local school who teaches my nephews and nieces, she's affected and it seems everybody in the community is. I feel like I've been plunged into hell.

OP posts:
marykitty · 10/10/2021 14:10

I am so sorry, I wish you all the best for your future and I hope you can find soon a solution Flowers

Original poster
Eggsdancing · 10/10/2021 14:10

Do you have legal support with your buildings insurance

No they all folded and are untouchable, it is up to the government to help but they aren't.

OP posts:
MichelleScarn · 10/10/2021 14:13

We paid nearly 9000 euro to get the house checked and that has given us clearance to obtain the grant which is 90% of the house but that doesn't take into account inflation charges as we built the house in 2005. If we have to pay the 10 percent we are looking at at least another 140k.

The 90% is 140k, or the 10% you'll need to find is 140k?
Sorry I don't know how it works in Ireland but don't they have a duty to house your husband and children as they are classed priority due to being vulnerable?

Obsidiansphere · 10/10/2021 14:13

So sorry op Flowers
I was reading about this the other day, scandalous 😡

Ineverpromisedyouarosegarden · 10/10/2021 14:14

I am so sorry you are in this situation. Have you talked to your employer is there any help through work?

Could de Paul help?

This is such a massive scandal for the families involved.

TractorAndHeadphones · 10/10/2021 14:14

Handhold OP - dont know how ireland works but is there anything we can do to raise awareness or help

Original poster
Eggsdancing · 10/10/2021 14:14

The 90% is 140k, or the 10% you'll need to find is 140k

the 10% you'll need to find is 140k.

OP posts:
Auroreforet · 10/10/2021 14:15

That's horrendous op.
Surely the company supplying these blocks must be accountable?
Hoping the Irish government do the decent thing and cover your losses.

Original poster
Eggsdancing · 10/10/2021 14:17

Handhold OP - dont know how ireland works but is there anything we can do to raise awareness or help

thanks, I guess share in on FB etc. There are already mass protests in Dublin etc.

OP posts:
Peridot1 · 10/10/2021 14:18

It’s horrific. I’m Irish (although live in uk) so I’ve been following some of it.

It’s a total nightmare. I can’t believe you are being left like this.

I really wish there was something we could do. I saw the protest march but it seems too little too late for you.

Original poster
Eggsdancing · 10/10/2021 14:19

I lay in bed last night just thinking it would be better if I and my family were dead. That's awful I know but I can't see any way through this. It's hell on earth. I'm expecting to wake up and realize it was a nightmare.

OP posts:
Thunderface · 10/10/2021 14:20

Is your house worth €1.4 million if you need to find €140,000 for 10%?

MrsFin · 10/10/2021 14:24

@Thunderface

Is your house worth €1.4 million if you need to find €140,000 for 10%?

Just about to ask the same thing.

Can't you buy a new house with the 90% you've been given as a as grant? Or have I misunderstood?

Original poster
Eggsdancing · 10/10/2021 14:24

No we paid 200k for the house in 2005, inflation happened in the meaning so to rebuild it we are looking at a 350k bill. The redress scheme only covers 90 percent of the 200k we paid back then. No expenses are being paid fr the rent we have to pay in caravan and we are still tied to the mortgage in this house.

OP posts:
M4J4 · 10/10/2021 14:27

So you bought for €1,400,000 or is the current value of your home that much? How much are you paying the mortgage on? Would the 90% compensation of €1,260,000 be enough to buy a home elsewhere? €

MrsFin · 10/10/2021 14:27

Just read your last post. I get it now.
Nightmare! They must be others in this situation - can you ask get together and picket/demonstrate/blockade whatever?

What is wrong with your house that means it's uninhabitable? Isn't there any redress against the builder?

gogohm · 10/10/2021 14:27

According to the report I read (9/10/21) a decision on compensation/cover for remedial works is due in the next few weeks. Hang in there, let's hope they come up with a good scheme to help people.

There was something similar in the early 80's in the U.K. and home owners (they were council housing but some had been sold off) had to pay 20% which was added to mortgages, friends were caught up in it.

Original poster
Eggsdancing · 10/10/2021 14:27

Can't you buy a new house with the 90% you've been given as a as grant? Or have I misunderstood

we can but it is a downsize and we will struggle as the house was fitted for dh who is in a wheelchair. We are expecting 100 percent as it is the govt's fault for not enforcing standards, they have no regulations in the quarry where the bricks came from. They also have loopholes in allowing the suppliers to have no insurance etc.

OP posts:
M4J4 · 10/10/2021 14:28

Ah sorry i thought 10% was €140k.