Defective concrete social housing tenants concerned about relocation

Social housing tenants forced to move out of their homes due to defective concrete need to be reassured they can return once works are complete, a meeting has heard. Donegal County Council's Defective Concrete Committee was told how relocated tenants are concerned they will never return to the home or area they previously lived in. Councillor Martin McDermott said it was 'vitally important' the council is 'clear' that tenants 'have a right to go back to the home and the area they're in." "For example, that they're not moving from one side of Carn to the other. We need to be clear that if you grow up in that home, it's your home - even if it is to be tossed and rebuilt. "I don't think we're clear on that, as there is a lot of ambiguity there." Committee chairperson, Cllr Gerry McMonagle said the council needs to be 'very careful' as tenants impacted by defective concrete have already experienced trauma. "Someone who lives in a home for maybe 23 years can think they're going to be out and that's it." Anne Marie Conlon, Director of Housing, MD Services and Capital Projects, outlined how Senior Executive Engineer Donal Walker, along with the council's housing team have 'done quite a bit of work' on the matter of defective concrete social housing, for which there are 'no easy solutions'. "There is going to be upheaval for people but we're trying to work together in terms of developing the best approach. Ms Conlon said the council wants to 'support people as best we can' and said it would be helpful to ascertain the committee's thoughts 'on what the best approach might be'. The committee also stressed at the meeting that the erection of modular homes needs to be revisited and further explored by government. It was also outlined how the council is very much awaiting the opening of the Government's long-awaited social housing scheme and how that will look, going forward. Councillors called for this scheme to be opened as soon as possible.