Mica protesters are holding a go-slow protest on the M50 in Dublin this morning, causing severe delays.
It comes ahead of a planned march in the capital this afternoon, where thousands are expected to attend.
🛣️M50🛣️
Protestors are currently moving slowly towards J9 Red Cow in both directions and are leaving long delays in their wake@TFIupdates @dublincityfm @DubCityCouncil @M50Dublin pic.twitter.com/QozXvjJjNT
— LiveDrive (@LiveDrive) October 8, 2021
Traffic is very slow in both directions.
Motorists can expect severe delays southbound from the M1 Interchange to J7 Lucan and northbound from before J13 Sandyford to J9 Red Cow.
Gardaí are at the scene.
Gardaí are aware of slow moving traffic on the M50 between Junction 5 and 11, in both directions. Expect heavy traffic in these areas and seek alternative routes where possible. pic.twitter.com/2fGY13OO4U
— An Garda Síochána (@GardaTraffic) October 8, 2021
Spokesperson Michael Doherty has told Dubliners to expect disruption and inconveniences today.
He said their move is not to "target ordinary, hardworking people" but to have their voices listened to.
"We've been 10 years on a campaign to try and address the issue, where our houses are falling part."
"We need to be heard."
Families are demanding 100 percent redress be included in the government's updated defective building block scheme, which's expected shortly.
Donegal has been robbed of the last 20 years of investment due to mica. Housing stock is crumbling, community buildings are cracked - one of the most deprived areas in Ireland now needs rebuilt #100percentredress #micaredress #MicaProtest pic.twitter.com/G38VvBT0uT
— Valerie Smyth (@ValerieSmyth7) October 4, 2021
They're also are seeking a 40-year state backed guarantee for partial remediation and that all affected homeowners should be included in the scheme.
If their demands aren't met, the group say they'll consider running candidates in the next general election, to guarantee the voice of the homeowners makes its way into the Dáil chamber.
They also say there are legal cases that could be escalated if they don't receive the funding.
Meanwhile country music star Daniel O'Donnell has backed the protest.
"The majority of people will only ever build their house once, that's the place where they live and maybe die in."
He said the mental stress is affecting homeowners - "Their homes and lives are being torn apart".
