Call for Donegal to be urgently included in modular homes discussions - Donegal Daily

Donegal County Councillor Joy Beard has called for Donegal to be urgently included in Government discussions on the future use of the State’s rapid-build modula...

Donegal County Councillor Joy Beard has called for Donegal to be urgently included in Government discussions on the future use of the State’s rapid-build modular homes.

The 100% Redress Party Councillor warned that families affected by defective concrete blocks have nowhere safe to go.

Cllr Beard has asked Housing Minister James Browne to examine whether suitable existing units could be redeployed to Donegal when available, or whether a dedicated rapid-build programme could provide accommodation for displaced homeowners and social housing tenants.

“Donegal is facing a humanitarian crisis caused by defective concrete blocks alongside an acute housing crisis,” said Cllr Beard.

“Families are trapped in deteriorating homes with serious structural problems, damp and mould.

"They know they need somewhere safer to live, but suitable alternative accommodation simply is not available.

She continued: “We cannot magically make homes appear. Providing a grant for temporary accommodation does not solve the problem when there are no homes available to rent.”

Cllr Beard outlined how Government discussions are ongoing about the future use of the rapid-build housing stock.

She said: "March 2027 has been identified as the current timeframe for residents under the existing arrangements, although this does not establish that all units will become available then."

Cllr Beard said Donegal’s needs must be considered before decisions are made.

“These homes represent a substantial public investment. Where suitable units become available, their potential use in Donegal must be examined urgently.

"Where relocation is impractical, Government should examine delivering the same rapid-build model here.

“The need for safe accommodation in Donegal is every bit as urgent. Families living with defective concrete blocks must be part of this discussion.”

Cllr Beard expressed disappointment that the Housing Minister’s response to her proposal did not address modular housing or her request for a meeting.

In his letter dated 28th October 2026, Minister Browne outlined accommodation funding of up to €16,500 and stated that the social housing remediation scheme obliges local authorities and approved housing bodies to rehouse tenants where necessary while works take place.

“The Minister has outlined the funding arrangements, but he has not answered the practical question: where are families supposed to go?” Cllr Beard said.

“Donegal County Council needs actual accommodation to move tenants into when remediation begins.

"Private homeowners also need somewhere to live while their homes are repaired or rebuilt.

“We also need a clear accommodation pathway for households whose homes become unsafe before remediation can commence. Their need cannot be put on hold.”

Cllr Beard warned that continued delays could have devastating consequences.

“I am deeply concerned that lives could be lost if families remain in structurally unsafe or unhealthy homes because there is nowhere else for them to go. We must act before a tragedy occurs.

“The Minister has been told repeatedly about the conditions people are enduring. We now need direct engagement and a practical plan.”

Cllr Beard is seeking an urgent meeting with the relevant Ministers, officials and Donegal County Council representatives to assess accommodation needs, identify suitable serviced sites and establish a delivery timetable.

She is also appealing to Senators to raise the issue in the Seanad and support Donegal’s inclusion in the ongoing Government process.

“Families need safe homes to move into. An accommodation allowance alone cannot provide that. Donegal needs a plan backed by homes, funding and urgent delivery,” she concluded.