PLEAS for the Government to include special consideration of defective block homes were ignored, it is claimed.
Thousands of affected households in Donegal were snubbed by the decision for a booklet that has been issued to warn families about winter emergencies.
Campaigner Joy Beard of the 100% Redress Party was elected to Donegal County to fight for those across the county with crumbling homes.
She last month urged the Government to include them in its Be Emergency Ready booklet – but they were snubbed, according to Cllr Beard.
Today, Cllr Beard expressed “deep disappointment” and said: “I explicitly requested that affected households be recognised in national emergency planning and given practical advice on preparing for storms and accessing somewhere safe to stay as the booklet was being prepared.
“I specifically asked whether the booklet would contain a dedicated section for defective concrete block households.
“I explained that families need clear instructions on what to do when their home becomes unsafe, who to contact and where they can go.
“I am deeply disappointed that this specific guidance has been omitted.”
Councillor Joy Beard urged the Government to include defective homes in its Be Emergency Ready booklet.
NEW STORM SEASON
The Inishowen councillor added: “We are heading into the storm season again and I am fearful for the safety of families in defective-block homes.
“Here in Donegal, we have homes where blocks are crumbling like sawdust. Families are watching that deterioration happen around them while waiting for a way forward.
“For these households, emergency preparedness goes far beyond torches, batteries and bottled water. It is about whether the building around them is safe and whether they have somewhere else to go.”
Cllr Beard warned: “We need a plan, and we need it urgently. We cannot wait for a tragedy before we act.”
The Be Emergency Ready booklet is available from the gov.ieenoffice-of-emergency-planningcampaignsbe-emergency-ready website.