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Dáil
‹ Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation

Elm Park homes facing flooding and defects

Summary

Ward sought clarity for nine Buncrana homeowners facing both defective concrete and flooding, including whether relocation would be offered. The Taoiseach said he would consult the Housing Minister and return with details, but gave no timeline.

I want to raise again the ongoing concerns of the nine homeowners in Elm Park, Buncrana, who are living with the combined threat of defective concrete and flooding. It has been repeatedly stated that legal advice from the Attorney General's office is being considered and that discussions are ongoing with the OPW. However, these responses have been repeated over several months without anybody providing any definitive answers and meaningful clarity for these residents. I want to ask the Taoiseach three questions. First, has a decision been made whether relocation options will be provided? Second, if not, what are the specific issues remaining? Third, when will a decision be reached?

These residents cannot be left without a timeline, waiting for legal advice and interdepartmental discussions. They have been waiting for years and the decision needs to be made. Will the Taoiseach commit today to providing a definitive update and a timeline for these people in Elm Park in Buncrana?

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I will engage with the Minister for housing in respect of this. In terms of a timeline, I do not have a specific one here. If legal advices have been sought, they need to be sought. The Government has responded to the overall defective concrete blocks debacle and scandal very comprehensively, in an unprecedented way. That does not often get acknowledged. There is a suite of schemes. Approximately €400 million is being provided for pyrite, apartment defects and defective concrete blocks. I will come back to the Deputy on the specifics of the nine houses he referenced there.

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