Burnfoot families ‘hit twice’ and still waiting since 2017 - Colr Joy Beard
Donegal County Councillor Joy Beard has said families in Burnfoot have been ‘hit twice and left waiting far too long’ as delays to the Flood Relief Scheme ‘continue to leave homeowners trapped in unsafe conditions.’
The community was devastated by flooding in 2017, and nearly eight years on, families are still waiting for flood protection to be delivered.
In that time, many homeowners have also been impacted by defective concrete blocks, ‘leaving them facing two crises at once.’
Colr Beard said repeated assurances that progress was imminent ‘have not been met.’
“At a plenary workshop in February, members were informed that Donegal County Council would submit a planning application Q1/2026. This was also confirmed at a meeting in Burnfoot at the start of February with Minister Kevin Boxer Moran and local residents,’ which Colr Beard attended.
“However, as of the end of April, no planning application has been submitted to An Coimisiún Pleanála.
“In correspondence received on April 17, Donegal County Council confirmed delays due to extended legal checks on environmental documentation and a significant volume of archaeological comments. While these are not considered “show stoppers”, they have delayed progress.
“The Council has indicated that final approval documents are now with senior management in the Office of Public Works for sign-off, with the intention of publishing notices in mid to late May before submitting the application.£
Colr Beard said that while the update provides some context, it does little to ease the reality facing families.
“Flooding devastated Burnfoot in 2017 and since then families have been waiting, some homes in Burnfoot are affect by defective concrete. They have been hit twice.”
“I was at the meeting in Burnfoot at the start of February where it was clearly stated that planning would be submitted in March. That has not happened.”
“I have been pushing for confirmation since, and families are still being left without clear answers.”
Colr Beard said the impact on residents is worsening with each passing week.
“Homes are deteriorating week by week. People cannot rebuild because they do not know if their homes will be protected from future flooding.”
“Families don’t have time. They want to move on with their lives, but they are completely trapped.”
“These families have suffered enough and now need answers.”