UPDATE: 10.30am Today’s protest has been cancelled. See more: https://www.donegaldaily.com/2022/12/08/updated-council-building-closed-ahead-defective-blocks-protest/
Homeowners trapped in some of Donegal’s worst affected defective blocks homes are planning to occupy Carndonagh Public Services Centre this afternoon.
The protest, led by activist Paddy Diver, is demanding emergency support for people in condemned crumbling homes this winter.
The planned action calls on Donegal County Council and government to rehouse more than 10 families who are some of the worst affected homes before Christmas.
Protesters have announced plans to bring sleeping bags and tents to the council building from 12noon, where they plan to stay until alternative accommodations are secured.
“We have to turn to full-blown civil disobedience because it is the only way they are going to listen,” said Paddy Diver.
“We are occupying the government building and our aim is to stay there overnight unless somebody comes in at 5 o’clock and turns around and says ‘this is done’.”
Protestors are frustrated with the lack of urgency in all aspects of the defective blocks crisis but “especially the inaction of the government both locally and nationally”.
“This inaction has led to homeowners now living in uninhabitable and condemned homes with no other option but to stay in them.”
Their demands call for:
- Urgent rehousing of families living in inhabitable condemned homes. Before Christmas.
- All applications to be fast tracked with focus remaining on the worst affected homes.
- A comprehensive roll out programme clearly established.
- Funds made available to all families awaiting payment, especially emergency accommodation and works funding to families most in need.
