716. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when a scheme will commence to relocate nine families, living in defective concrete block homes away from the dangerous flood plain at Elm Park, Buncrana, County Donegal; and when his Department officials will consult with the homeowners on the design of the scheme. [64992/26]

The Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the use of Defective Concrete Blocks Act 2022 as amended by the Act of 2025 underpins the Grant Scheme which provides grant funding to people whose homes have been affected by Defective Concrete Blocks.

I visited Donegal last year where I met many of the residents affected and I understand the flood issue pertaining to Elm Park in Buncrana, where nine homeowners are particularly affected.

The majority of homeowners impacted are eligible to avail of the Defective Concrete Block Scheme which is funded by my Department. They are understandably worried about availing of the scheme and remediating their homes without the flood risk having been addressed. I know that the Office of Public Works has a plan to undertake flood relief works in the coming period in that area which will address the flood risk.

The residents however, are concerned about the length of time before those flood works would be completed and have asked that consideration be given to relocation options.

I appreciate the genuine concerns of the residents based on their own personal experiences in recent years.

Legal advice from the Attorney General’s office regarding a scheme to assist these homeowners is being considered by my Department who are working with officials in the OPW.

I will continue to work with my colleague, the Minister of State at the Office of Public Works and Flood Relief Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran, to advance an appropriate solution.