Donegal housing and mica
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn described a severe housing and defective block crisis in Donegal and urged engagement on the issue. The Minister of State said regulations were out, the Minister had met political groups, and further meetings with residents would happen shortly.
When it comes to housing, we have a perfect storm in County Donegal. No social housing was built for approximately ten years. We have families who have been pushed into private rental across the county. There is no affordable housing taking place in County Donegal even though the income threshold is €30,000 for families. That is why we have very large numbers of young people emigrating to Australia and Canada from all across the county. When we add in the defective block crisis, we really have a profound crisis in our county; as I said, a perfect storm.
Will the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage urgently go to County Donegal, as has been requested, and meet with a cross-party delegation of councillors, including those from his own party, to talk about how Donegal County Council can help the families with defective blocks and assist the families who cannot afford to build their own homes all across the county?
Comment on this
As the Deputy will be aware from the Minister, Deputy Darragh O'Brien, the regulations are out. They are with the local authority. The Minister has met with various political groups. He hopes and intends to meet with residents very shortly on the mica issue in County Donegal. The Minister is very much engaged on this and wants this-----
Comment on this
It is certainly something I will take back to him. He has met various councillors. On this particular issue, however, he is very keen to meet the residents first and foremost. That will happen relatively shortly.