A housing expert says the Mica controversy shows the need to properly regulate building companies.
It comes as thousands of affected homeowners are due to demonstrate in Dublin later today. Many of those who will march in the capital have seen their homes devastated by Mica.
The mineral, present in building blocks, can cause enormous structural problems. And some homeowners now face having to demolish and entirely rebuild their properties.
While the government currently funds 90 per cent of the construction cost, Michael Doherty from the Mica Action Group says it should go further.
Housing lecturer at Technological University Dublin Lorcan Sirr says a major problem is self-regulation in the building sector. A Sinn Fein motion calling for 100 per cent compensation for homeowners affected by Mica will go through the Dail later today.
And it is not expected to be opposed by the government, which has indicated it will instead look at further improving its redress scheme.
Killoe native Mary Doherty is travelling from her home in Donegal with her husband Kevin to today's protest in Dublin.
Mary says they are also in the postiton of likely having to demolish their home and pay up to another €100,000 just to rebuild it.
She says travelling to the capital city for the protest is not exactly something she, or anyone else affected, wants to be doing...
