’We cannot wait for a tragedy before we act’ - Beard - Donegal Daily

Councillor Joy Beard of the 100% Redress Party has expressed ’deep disappointment’ that the Government’s ’Be Emergency Ready’ booklet contains no dedicated guid...

Councillor Joy Beard of the 100% Redress Party has expressed 'deep disappointment' that the Government’s 'Be Emergency Ready' booklet contains no dedicated guidance for households in structurally unsafe defective-block homes.

This is despite her having raised the issue directly with the Minister for Defence, Helen McEntee.

Her correspondence, also sent to the Department of Defence and the Office of Emergency Planning, 'explicitly requested' that affected households be recognised in national emergency planning.

It also asked that households be given practical advice on preparing for storms and accessing somewhere safe to stay as the booklet was being prepared.

“I wrote to the Minister and others because I was concerned about the danger facing families living in deteriorating homes," said Cllr Beard.

"I specifically asked whether the booklet would contain a dedicated section for defective concrete block households.

“I explained that families need clear instructions on what to do when their home becomes unsafe, who to contact and where they can go.

"I am deeply disappointed that this specific guidance has been omitted.”

In her correspondence, Cllr Beard highlighted concerns about deteriorating walls supporting heavy concrete floors, including bison slabs, and roof structures.

She also requested guidance on responding to structural movement or falling material, emergency evacuation, accommodation supports and the emotional toll on families.

“We are heading into the storm season again, and I am fearful for the safety of families in defective-block homes.

"The prospect of more frequent and more intense storms, while their homes continue to deteriorate, makes a practical safety plan all the more urgent.

“Here in Donegal, we have homes where blocks are crumbling like sawdust. Families are watching that deterioration happen around them while waiting for a way forward.

“For these households, emergency preparedness goes far beyond torches, batteries and bottled water. It is about whether the building around them is safe and whether they have somewhere else to go.”

Cllr Beard said general preparedness advice does not adequately address the circumstances of families living in structurally compromised properties.

“When people are advised to stay at home, what happens when home is the very place they are afraid to be?

"These families need guidance informed by appropriate structural expertise and a clear route to practical help.”

She also highlighted families living in mobile homes while rebuilding.

“We must not forget that families rode out a storm in mobile homes during a red weather warning, when conditions posed a danger to life.

"Nobody should be left facing that fear without clear advice and access to safe accommodation.”

Cllr Beard said she has been pressing Donegal County Council for an emergency plan that includes a database where residents worried about the condition of their defective-block homes, or living in mobile homes, can register their contact details

“This would allow the Council to contact families directly with instructions, advice and information about available support before severe weather arrives.

"It would also help identify people who need assistance with accommodation or transport.”

She is calling for pre-arranged safe accommodation, a reliable out-of-hours contact number and clear arrangements for accommodation costs, with particular attention to older people, children, people with disabilities and households without transport or somewhere else to stay.

“Arrangements must be made early, before travel becomes dangerous. Families cannot be left searching for answers or trying to find accommodation when the storm is already upon them.”

Cllr Beard is urging the Minister for Defence and the Office of Emergency Planning to issue targeted supplementary guidance and support Donegal County Council in delivering a clear, funded response.

“The mental and emotional strain on families living in structurally damaged homes must also be recognised.

"Each storm brings fresh fear, and nobody should feel forgotten in a national emergency preparedness campaign.

“We need a plan, and we need it urgently. We cannot wait for a tragedy before we act.”