100% Redress Party TD Charles Ward has said he hopes that the Housing Minister will take action to improve the defective concrete block scheme after stakeholders in Donegal “poured out their hearts” to him on Monday.
Minister James Browne was in Donegal to hear first-hand the pressing concerns about the defective concrete crisis. Following meetings in the County House in Lifford, Minister Browne visited a number of homes severely impacted by defective concrete.
Deputy Charles Ward says the ‘ball is in the Minister’s court’ after hearing from local community representatives and technical experts who presented the full picture of the situation in Donegal.
Speaking in the Dáil, Deputy Ward thanked the Minister fo his engagement and said: “Having met homeowners, particularly the downgraded homeowners, the Elm Park homeowners who are seeking relocation, and people who were given the wrong engineering option, I hope now the Minister realises the devastation that has been caused and starts to work on a scheme. I urge the Minister to reflect on that visit and come back with a better defective concrete scheme that leaves no one behind.”
Deputy Ward said he was encouraged by Minister Browne’s commitment to a follow-up meeting with stakeholders.
“We now await confirmation of the date for that meeting and hope it marks the beginning of a genuine and sustained engagement process,” said Deputy Ward.
Deputy Ward stated ,“Everyone has spoken. The facts are on record. We await the Minister’s next move, and we will be watching closely.”