Donegal Senator Nikki Bradley has said that government figures meeting Donegal families in defective concrete homes and listening to the issues would have a “life-changing” impact.
The Fine Gael Senator has called on the Housing Minister Darragh O’Brien to address the Seanad with an update on increased payments in the scheme.
“We need an update soon, I was led to believe there was an update coming, I’m not sure now what is happening,” Senator Bradley said.
“I would welcome any positive news that could come our way because we really need it.”
Speaking to Donegal Daily this week, Senator Bradley said that defective concrete blocks was a key factor in her decision to accept the Taoiseach’s appointment.
“Part of me saying yes was that I would be able to share what is happening on the ground in Donegal, that something would be done, because we need to see improvements,” Senator Bradley said.
She added that she would like to see Taoiseach Simon Harris meet with affected families personally.
While there is no timeframe for such a visit, Senator Bradley said: “It would be great to have him and a couple of other key figures in Donegal. I’d love to see a Town Hall-like meeting happen where families can share what is happening.”
Senator Bradley said the crisis is one of her priorities in her new positon and in her general election bid: “When the news came out that I had become a Senator, the first thing I did was meet with some of the families. It was more to educate myself, even though my own family are affected by this, it’s nothing compared to what I saw when I visited some homes.
“I’d love to see individuals from outside the county come up and do what I did, keep it low key, arrange to meet families, and sit and listen.”
“I am going to say to more people in government to visit Donegal. Leave the cameras at home and just go and sit at a kitchen table with a family and just listen. I think the difference that would make will be life-changing.”
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