Meeting hears of ’deeply worrying’ barriers facing older defective concrete homeowners - Donegal Daily

The Silver Circle group of older homeowners affected by defective concrete has called for a fully funded, State-led, turnkey remediation scheme.Their call comes...

The Silver Circle group of older homeowners affected by defective concrete has called for a fully funded, State-led, turnkey remediation scheme.

Their call comes following a well-attended meeting, held yesterday, of more than 40 very concerned homeowners.

The group said that, at the meeting, people 'who should be enjoying their golden years' spoke about living in deteriorating homes, struggling to fund rebuilding and fearing that their children would inherit the cost and burden of an unresolved crisis'.

The meeting heard 'deeply worrying accounts' of the barriers facing older homeowners, including substantial upfront costs, an inability to secure borrowing, difficulty finding suitable alternative accommodation and the demands of managing a major construction project'.

The Silver Circle said its message is clear: 'the scheme cannot deliver a solution for people who cannot afford to get started'.

Members described the distress of having built or bought their homes in good faith, expecting them to last a lifetime, only to face spending their retirement savings replacing them.

"Instead of leaving their children a secure family home, they worry about leaving a property requiring demolition and a financial burden their families cannot afford."

The Silver Circle is calling on Government to 'take responsibility for the entire remediation process: assessment and testing, professional appointments, suitable temporary accommodation, rebuilding and the return of a completed, safe home'.

They said that older homeowners 'should not be expected to become construction project managers, navigate complicated online systems or find tens of thousands of euro upfront before they can begin'.

The group is seeking urgent priority for older people, people with disabilities and medically vulnerable households.

Members also expressed serious concern about another winter in homes affected by cold, damp and mould.

Some older homeowners are reporting respiratory problems and concerns about the effect their living conditions were having on their health.

Heating costs are adding to the pressure, with homeowners struggling to keep damaged properties warm while facing uncertainty about when they will have a safe home again.

The meeting also raised concerns about stalled applications, foundation testing and remediation, and the difficult decisions facing people who feel unable to wait indefinitely but remain worried about proceeding.

Cllr Joy Beard attended the meeting and listened to members’ experiences.

She confirmed that she has written to Housing Minister James Browne requesting a meeting with a Silver Circle delegation.

The group wants the Minister to hear directly from older homeowners about the reality behind the statistics: the fear, financial pressure and exhaustion of living through this crisis.

The Silver Circle will bring its concerns to the Defective Concrete Blocks Committee and 'continue pressing Government for action'.

The meeting also highlighted the importance of mutual support.

The Silver Circle offers older homeowners a welcoming place to share their experiences, support one another and make their voices heard together.

They said that nobody should 'have to face this crisis alone'.

"They are asking for the safe, secure homes they already paid for to be restored, so they can live their remaining years with comfort, dignity and peace of mind."