Carlow families ‘left in limbo’ as they ‘watch their homes crumble and crack’
Carlow-Kilkenny TD Natasha Newsome Drennan raised the issue during a recent debate on a Dáil motion
A number of families in County Carlow are being “left in limbo” as they watch their homes “crumble and crack”, the Dáil has heard.
Carlow-Kilkenny Sinn Féin TD Natasha Newsome Drennan raised the issue during a recent debate on support for those affected by defective concrete blocks.
A motion was brought forward to allow for people in the jurisdiction of Fingal County and Wexford County Council to apply for redress.
Deputy Newsome Drennan said: “I welcome that two new areas are to be included in the scheme.
“It has been nearly three years since Carlow County Council first requested inclusion in the scheme for homes damaged as a result of the presence of defective concrete blocks.
“It is six weeks since the Minister finally received the Housing Agency's report, along with its recommendations for the Carlow area.
“There are only a handful of affected homes in Carlow, but the families involved have been left in limbo as they watch their homes crumble and crack.”
She continued by calling on the Minister for Social Protection, Dara Calleary, to take action on the issue.
“This report cannot simply sit on the Minister's desk for months on end. We need to see movement on this issue before the summer recess.
“I ask the Minister to stop stalling and give homeowners a clear and prompt answer. They deserve clarity on whether they will be added to the scheme and a clear timeline for action.”
Deputy Newsome Drennan highlighted the importance of the scheme for those whose homes have been affected by defective concrete blocks.
“These are not just houses; they represent lives. People's lives are left standing still. People are watching their houses crumble in front of them.
“Their kids are wondering whether their houses will fall down. They come home from school wondering whether they will still have a house.
“Mammies and daddies are stressed out of their tree because they do not know how they are going to afford this, what they will tell their children or whether they will be another homeless statistic.”
She concluded by saying that it was time for the Government to act on the issue.