PENSIONERS left alone in crumbling homes have claimed that it is time their lives are rebuilt.
Dozens of the elderly homeowners affect by defective concrete blocks formed a lobby called the DCB Silver Circle (OAP and Retired Homeowners) Group and met for the first time today (Tuesday).
A spokesperson told the Donegal News: “We should be enjoying our golden years, not worrying about rebuilding our homes.”
The DCB Silver Circle group is now demanding an urgent meeting with Housing Minister James Browne.
A member of the Defective Concrete Block Silver Circle Group has had “death trap” dubbed on the side of the house.
FULLY FUNDED, STATE-LED, TURNKEY REMEDIATION SCHEME
The spokesperson said: “The Silver Circle group of older homeowners affected by defective concrete has called for a fully funded, State-led, turnkey remediation scheme, following a well-attended meeting of more than 40 very concerned homeowners.
“People who should be enjoying their golden years spoke about living in deteriorating homes, struggling to fund rebuilding and fearing that their children would inherit the cost and burden of an unresolved crisis.
“The meeting heard deeply worrying accounts of the barriers facing older homeowners, including substantial upfront costs, an inability to secure borrowing, difficulty finding suitable alternative accommodation and the demands of managing a major construction project.
“The Silver Circle’s message is clear: the scheme cannot deliver a solution for people who cannot afford to get started.”
Cllr Joy Beard attended the Silver Circle meeting to support pensioners and said it was “heartbreaking”.
Donegal County Cllr Joy Beard of the 100% Redress Party was elected on a ticket to address the redress scheme that was set up by the Government.
She attended the meeting and told the Donegal News: “It was heartbreaking to listen to homeowners at the Silver Circle meeting.
“These are people who worked all their lives, raised their families and paid for homes they believed would see them through their golden years.
“Now they feel frightened, trapped and worrying about another winter.
“Many were worried about their savings and borrowing power as pensioners and wondering whether they will leave their children a home or a demolition bill.
“Nobody should have to spend their retirement trying to find money they cannot borrow, searching for somewhere suitable to live or managing the demolition and rebuilding of their home.
“The worry is taking away years that should be spent enjoying life with family and friends.
“I have asked Minister Browne to meet a Silver Circle delegation and hear their stories directly.
“We need a fully funded, State-led scheme that takes people through the entire process and hands them back a safe, completed home. They deserve warmth, security and peace of mind. I will continue to stand beside them and push for that.”
DAUNTED AND OVERWHELMED
The meeting at An Grianán Hotel in Burt follows warnings in the Donegal News from retired Inishowen grandmother Mary Connors (76) that defective block homes like hers could be “death trap”.
Mary accused the State of failing pensioners who are “daunted and overwhelmed” by the defective concrete block scandal.
Thousands of homes across Donegal are crumbling and households can apply to have them rebuilt under the Government’s redress scheme.
But there are hundreds of elderly men and women, many widowed and living alone, who are scared by the process, do not have savings, cannot take out a loan because they are too old to repay it with employment, and have nowhere to go for the rebuild, campaigners told the Donegal News.
Mary lives on Inch Island in Inishowen where she bought her home in 2006 after she retired.
Loving grandmother Mary Connors, pictured with her grandson Patrick Newman, elderly people have been “let down” by the State.
She said: “The thought of going on the scheme paralyses me. I do not know where to start. It’s daunting and overwhelming.
“The State has let down the elderly. This house was meant to be my forever home”
She added: “We are waiting for the Government to get it right and to help us. We are being left to do everything all by ourselves.
Concerns raised at the DCB Silver Circle meeting will be presented next week to Donegal County Council’s Defective Blocks Committee.
Organisers told pensioners that the meeting is their “chance to voice your concerns” and have these presented in an important speech to “key decision makers” at the council.
THE DCB SILVER CIRCLE STATEMENT IN FULL:
The Silver Circle group of older homeowners affected by defective concrete has called for a fully funded, State-led, turnkey remediation scheme, following a well-attended meeting of more than 40 very concerned homeowners.
People who should be enjoying their golden years spoke about living in deteriorating homes, struggling to fund rebuilding and fearing that their children would inherit the cost and burden of an unresolved crisis.
The meeting heard deeply worrying accounts of the barriers facing older homeowners, including substantial upfront costs, an inability to secure borrowing, difficulty finding suitable alternative accommodation and the demands of managing a major construction project.
The Silver Circle’s message is clear: the scheme cannot deliver a solution for people who cannot afford to get started.
Members described the distress of having built or bought their homes in good faith, expecting them to last a lifetime, only to face spending their retirement savings replacing them.
For many, the fear extends beyond their own lifetime. Instead of leaving their children a secure family home, they worry about leaving a property requiring demolition and a financial burden their families cannot afford.
The Silver Circle is calling on Government to take responsibility for the entire remediation process: assessment and testing, professional appointments, suitable temporary accommodation, rebuilding and the return of a completed, safe home.
Older homeowners should not be expected to become construction project managers, navigate complicated online systems or find tens of thousands of euro upfront before they can begin.
The group is seeking urgent priority for older people, people with disabilities and medically vulnerable households.
Members also expressed serious concern about another winter in homes affected by cold, damp and mould.
Some older homeowners are reporting respiratory problems and concerns about the effect their living conditions were having on their health.
Heating costs are adding to the pressure, with homeowners struggling to keep damaged properties warm while facing uncertainty about when they will have a safe home again.
The meeting also raised concerns about stalled applications, foundation testing and remediation, and the difficult decisions facing people who feel unable to wait indefinitely but remain worried about proceeding.
Cllr Joy Beard attended the meeting and listened to members’ experiences.
She confirmed that she has written to Housing Minister James Browne requesting a meeting with a Silver Circle delegation.
The group wants the minister to hear directly from older homeowners about the reality behind the statistics: the fear, financial pressure and exhaustion of living through this crisis.
The Silver Circle will bring its concerns to the Defective Concrete Blocks Committee and continue pressing Government for action.
The meeting also highlighted the importance of mutual support.
The Silver Circle offers older homeowners a welcoming place to share their experiences, support one another and make their voices heard together.
Nobody should have to face this crisis alone.
These homeowners are not asking for better houses.
They are asking for the safe, secure homes they already paid for to be restored, so they can live their remaining years with comfort, dignity and peace of mind.