Who are the Mica Action Group?

The Mica Action Group (MAG) was formed in December 2013 by a voluntary committee of homeowners in County Donegal. They came together when they realised that the unusual structural cracking appearing in hundreds of local homes was not a one-off. It was a widespread problem caused by defective concrete.

The group began with a meeting around a kitchen table. That early core team laid the groundwork for a campaign that went on to change national policy.

Who were the key people?

The early organisers, committee members and negotiators included:

• Ann Owens, one of the co-founders. The earliest strategy meetings were held at her kitchen table, when affected families first realised what they were facing.
• Eamon Jackson, the group's early chairperson. He led the voluntary committee through the hard early years of trying to get the State to recognise the scale of the problem.
• Paddy Diver, a grassroots activist and rally organiser who came to prominence a little later in the campaign. He worked closely with MAG to bring thousands of people to the national protests in Dublin.
• Eileen Doherty, a core member of the negotiation team. She represented Donegal families directly in working groups, challenging early redress proposals that fell short.
• Michael Doherty, the group's Public Relations Officer (PRO).

Why did the group turn to the State?

Insurance companies, banks and block suppliers all turned the early committee away. With nowhere else to go, the group lobbied the State.

How did the campaign develop?

• 2014: MAG submitted the first formal dossier of evidence documenting crumbling homes to Donegal County Council.
• 2020: The group secured the first redress scheme, known as the 90/10 scheme. They went on to reject it and campaign against it, because its hidden costs still left families facing shortfalls of over €100,000.
• 2021 to 2022: The original core team was chosen to negotiate directly with Housing Minister Darragh O'Brien. This led to the Enhanced Defective Concrete Blocks Grant Scheme.

Who leads the group now?

Leadership later passed to a new committee chaired by Lisa Hone. The committee includes Angela Ward, Tricia Sullivan, Mary Margaret McLaughlin, Michelle Diver, Róise Ní Laifeartaigh, Gerry Hone and Kelly McGonagle. Charles Ward TD was also a member before he joined the 100% Redress Party.

How does MAG relate to the 100% Redress Party?

The wider homeowners' movement that MAG helped build went on to spur the creation of the 100% Redress Party, to contest elections.

If you want to understand the scheme that came out of this campaign, read our step-by-step guide to the scheme.