Local authority bought five houses it knew had mica

Donegal County Council housing staff were aware the houses, in An Crannla estate in Buncrana, had defects in the building blocks, caused by mica, after an investigation by the area housing engineer.

Donegal County Council did not inform the Department of Housing that it was purchasing five mica-affected houses when it secured funding to complete the sale.

Emails released under freedom of information, and obtained by the Irish Examiner, show that Donegal County Council housing staff were aware the houses, in An Crannla estate in Buncrana, had defects in the building blocks, caused by mica, after an investigation by the area housing engineer.