Independent TD Thomas Pringle has called on the government to ensure homes affected by defective blocks will be mortgageable once remediation work has been completed.
He addressed the Tánaiste, Micheál Martin, on the issue in the Dáil today.
“Due to the presence of defective blocks, many homes across Donegal and the country are deemed to be not mortgageable,” Deputy Pringle said.
In his response, the Tánaiste said remediated homes should be mortgageable and he will ask the Minister for Finance to engage with the banking sector to discuss that.
Deputy Pringle, however, said it was ‘extremely disappointing that the government did not address this in the Enhanced Defective Concrete Blocks Grant Scheme, leaving families with much uncertainty and insecurity.
“Homes should be regarded as normal for lending purposes once remediation work has been completed,” he continued.
“However, when the Redress Focus Groups sought clarification on this from the banking sector, they were told that the matter is being ‘looked into’ and no clarification was given.
“Families in defective block homes have been forgotten time and time again, and they continue to be let down by the Government. You have a chance to change this going forward, Tánaiste.”
The deputy raised the issue during questions on policy or legislation.
“Will you liaise with the banking sector on whether the various remediation options will restore mortgageable conditions to the homes affected,” he asked
