Plight of Buncrana homeowners affected by defective blocks and flooding raised by Ward
The plight of nine homeowners in Buncrana, who are living with the combined threat of defective concrete blocks and flooding has been raised with the Taoiseach Micheál Martin by Donegal TD Charles Ward.
The homes need to be demolished because they have been affected by defective blocks. They are also located on the Crana’s flood plain.
“It has been repeatedly stated that legal advice from the Attorney General's office is being considered and that discussions are ongoing with the Office of Public Works.
"However, these responses have been repeated over several months without anybody providing any definitive answers and meaningful clarity for these residents. I want to ask the Taoiseach three questions. First, has a decision been made whether relocation options will be provided? Second, if not, what are the specific issues remaining? Third, when will a decision be reached?
“These residents cannot be left without a timeline, waiting for legal advice and interdepartmental discussions. They have been waiting for years and the decision needs to be made. Will the Taoiseach commit today to providing a definitive update and a timeline for these people in Elm Park in Buncrana?” asked the 100% Redress TD.
The Taoiseach replied: "If legal advices have been sought, they need to be sought. The Government has responded to the overall defective concrete blocks debacle and scandal very comprehensively, in an unprecedented way.
"That does not often get acknowledged. There is a suite of schemes. Approximately €400 million is being provided for pyrite, apartment defects and defective concrete blocks. I will come back to the Deputy on the specifics of the nine houses he referenced there,” said the Taoiseach.