Homeowners in Donegal hit by the defective blocks crisis have identified three primary focus areas that guide their mission.
The Redress Focus Groups is an an initiative aimed at providing support, information, and empowerment to those affected by the defective blocks crisis in the county.
The Redress Focus Groups, which were founded in January 2023, represent a grassroots movement driven by four homeowners who possess an acute awareness of the enormity of the defective blocks crisis.
Recognising that major issues were not being addressed, these dedicated individuals knew that such a multifaceted crisis would take an army of people coming together with the right skills and determination.
The vision of the Redress Focus Groups is to address both the practical and emotional challenges faced by these homeowners, ultimately leading to renewed confidence in their properties and the ability to rebuild resilient lives.
Their mission is not only to advocate for comprehensive solutions but also to secure support services and drive positive changes in policies and regulations.
The Redress Focus Groups have identified three primary focus areas that guide their mission:
Information and Help: The Redress Focus Groups provide a lifeline of support through both online resources and in-person meetings. They ensure that homeowners have access to accurate and up-to-date information to navigate the challenges posed by the defective blocks crisis.
Support: With regular in-person meetings, the Redress Focus Groups foster a supportive community that enables homeowners to share their concerns and find answers to their questions. This vital support network helps individuals feel less alone in their struggles.
Empowerment: One of the core principles of the Redress Focus Groups is the belief that by coming together, they can affect positive change. They empower homeowners to take control of their circumstances and work collectively to improve their futures and those of their children.
The Redress Focus Groups have established several dedicated focus areas to address the various challenges posed by the defective blocks crisis. These include:
Temporary Accommodation:
Working tirelessly to find ways to provide temporary accommodation for homeowners while their properties undergo structural repair or demolished, ensuring they have a place to stay during this difficult period.
Support Hub:
Advocating for the creation of a support hub, the Redress Focus Groups engage with government officials, investigate funding possibilities, and rally support from the public to make this essential facility a reality.
Trade, Construction & Building Professionals:
Collaborating to discover the most beneficial, efficient, innovative, and cost-effective ways to rebuild Donegal, ensuring that homeowners’ investments are secure.
Banking & Insurance:
Negotiating with lenders and government bodies to bridge the financial gap caused by the lack of 100% government funding for repairs and restoration.
Mental Health & Youth:
Initiating research and development efforts to provide mental health support for adults, children, and young people affected by the crisis, ensuring that these vital services are accessible to organisations and schools throughout the county.
Health Impacts:
Focusing on researching and highlighting the severe health impacts faced by affected homeowners due to mould and other problems caused by defective blocks.
All of this and more has been brought together on their new website which goes live, today. This website is the first of its kind for all affected, interested or working on this crisis. It will be a hub of information, an essential guide, and a help and advice resource for homeowners. With its online library it will also serve as an information point for local, national and international media or anyone wanting to find out more about the defective concrete blocks crisis from its very beginnings right up to the present day with its online archive and up to the minute news.
“We want anyone affected by the defective blocks crisis to join the Redress Focus Groups cause. By coming together, sharing knowledge, and working collaboratively, we, as property owners, can find solutions to the challenges, support and empower ourselves and each other. In the face of adversity, the people of Donegal have shown that by uniting, we can pull ourselves out of this crisis and create a brighter future for our families and our communities” – Roisin Gallagher, founder of the Redress Focus Groups
The Redress Focus Groups are a testament to the power of community, determination, and collective action.
The Redress Focus Groups Committee is made up of:
Chairperson: Roisin Gallagher
Vice Chair: Peter Fox
Secretary: Karen Hamilton
Vice Secretary: Geraldine Fitzpatrick Treasurer: Margaret Patton Plunkett Vice Treasurer: Mary Connors
To learn more about the Redress Focus Groups, how you can get involved or to add your information and services visit their website at www.redressfocusgroups.ie or contact them via email at info@redressfocusgroups.ie.
