Donegal County Councillors receive copy of draft DCB Social Homes Scheme - Donegal Daily

Donegal County Councillors have received a copy of the Government’s draft Defective Concrete Block Social Homes Scheme.Donegal County Councillor Jack Murray tod...

Donegal County Councillors have received a copy of the Government's draft Defective Concrete Block Social Homes Scheme.

Donegal County Councillor Jack Murray today confirmed the move and said the scheme was a 'welcome and long overdue step towards ensuring that families living in social housing are not left behind in the defective blocks crisis.'

The Sinn Fein Councillor said called for a clear timeline for the scheme, a 'properly-funded' accommodation plan and an 'an absolute guarantee that Donegal County Council will not be left footing the bill'.

He said: "I want to commend the affected families who have continued to make their voices heard, along with council staff and elected members who have consistently lobbied for a scheme to address this injustice.

"It is shameful that homes have been sitting empty for years without being repaired, while other families have been left living in unsafe accommodation.

"This situation should never have been allowed to continue for so long."

Cllr Murray said the 'same can be said for the thousands of private homeowners who have spent years fighting for a fair and workable solution'.

"Many are still facing enormous financial pressures, uncertainty and unacceptable delays.

"Whether a family owns their home or lives in social housing, nobody should be left behind because of the defective blocks crisis.

"Every affected family deserves a safe home and a fair resolution."

Cllr Murray said that, having reviewed the document, 'there are important questions that need answered'.

"Firstly, we need a clear timeline for the rollout of this scheme, with firm dates for works to commence and realistic deadlines for their speedy completion.

"Families have already waited far too long and cannot be left facing further years of uncertainty.

"There must also be a properly funded accommodation plan for families who need to leave their homes while works are carried out.

"Nobody should be left worrying about where they and their children will live during the rebuilding process.

"Suitable temporary accommodation must be available, with families supported throughout and a clear pathway back into their homes."

He said there were also 'serious questions around funding and resources'.

"Donegal County Council is already severely underfunded and stretched in its efforts to deliver basic services.

"While the proposed scheme provides funding for remediation, the Council will be responsible for managing assessments, procurement, construction and administration.

"We need an absolute guarantee that Donegal County Council will not be left footing the bill for additional staffing, administration or any shortfall in rebuilding costs.

"Every euro that the Council is forced to divert towards covering these costs is a euro that could otherwise be spent on vital local services, including roads, housing, community facilities and other essential infrastructure.

"We cannot have a situation where addressing one crisis means taking desperately needed funding away from other vital areas across Donegal.

"The Council must also have access to funding when it is needed, rather than being expected to carry substantial costs while awaiting reimbursement."

Cllr Murray said the defective blocks crisis 'has already placed an enormous burden on families and communities across Donegal'.

"Those affected have had to fight far too hard, for far too long, to have their voices heard.

"The Government must ensure that this new scheme is fully funded, properly resourced and delivered without further delay, while also addressing the outstanding shortcomings in the scheme for private homeowners.

"There should be no division between social housing tenants and private homeowners in this crisis.

"Every family affected is an innocent victim of the same scandal. Nobody asked for this, nobody deserves what they have been put through, and nobody should be left behind.

"Every family deserves justice, fair treatment and, above all, a safe home."