An Taoiseach Simon Harris said his party will carry out a comprehensive review of Defective Concrete Blocks Scheme in their first six months in government – if they are re-elected.
The review, he said, will take into account feedback from all stakeholders.
It’s part of a €40 million euro housing plan announced by Fine Gael yesterday ahead of the general election.
Speaking in Stranorlar yesterday, Mr Harris said that his message to people in Donegal was that he acknowledges the stress of defective concrete blocks.
“I know how important the issue is,” he told people in the Mace shop, owned by Fine Gael candidate John McNulty.
The Taoiseach said he was “proud” of the progress of the current scheme so far.
“If we are lucky enough to be back in government we will carry out a full comprehensive review of that scheme to take on board the issues that people are mentioning,” he said.
“You always have to listen in politics, listen to people and when people are saying you can tweak this or fix that it can make a very big difference for their family or their community, we will respond.”
Taoiseach Simon Harris, out canvassing with John McNulty in Kee’s Hotel in Stranorlar. Picture by Fergal Phillips
Fine Gael’s election promises on housing involve capital injection of €40bn to be provided out to 2030, with the aim of delivering 303,000 new homes by 2030.
To address legacy issues in housing, the party proposes to create an Independent building standards regulator to prevent similar issues from arising in the future.
Fine Gael General Election candidate John McNulty has welcomed the rapid review a Fine-Gael led government would implement if returned to power.
The Kilcar man has also called for a dedicated Minister for Home Remediation.
“I want to make it absolutely clear that my view is that all homes affected by phyorrite need to be demolished and replaced, and that includes the foundations,” said Mr McNulty.
“I welcome the current decision to pause all non-demolition remediation options and I welcome the commitment from Simon Harris to review the entire scheme and include the views of everyone in Donegal.”
Taoiseach Simon Harris, out canvassing with John McNulty in Donegal. Picture by Fergal Phillips
Meanwhile, Sinn Féin Housing Spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin has said that Fine Gael’s housing plan is “just 9 pages of commitments”.
“Not only will these proposals fail to address the housing and homelessness crisis, but by increasing the so-called help to buy grant and extending it to second hand homes it will further push up house prices.
“It appears that the Government parties are now locked in a Celtic Tiger era auction to see who can jack up house prices the most.”
Taoiseach Simon Harris, out canvassing with Senator Nikki Brady in Donegal. Picture by Fergal Phillips
Taoiseach Simon Harris, out canvassing with John McNulty in Donegal. Picture by Fergal Phillips
