PENSIONERS will tackle council chiefs about the defective block crisis and the lengthy redress scheme.
Donegal County Council’s Defective Blocks Committee meets this morning in Lifford.
For the first time, it will hear fears from a large number of homeowners from the Defective Concrete Block Silver Circle (OAP and Retired Homeowners) Group.
A group spokesperson said: “We will do our very best to voice everyone’s concerns.”
Last week, they told the Donegal News that they are heartbroken by their forever homes crumbling due to the defective block crisis and are daunted by the rebuilding process.
They have since requested a “face-to-face meeting” with Housing Minister James Brown to “raise our concerns”.
The DCB Silver Circle (OAP and Retired Homeowners) Group wants to meet Housing Minister James Browne.
Some of the homeowners have revealed that their fears include the prospect of dying before their defective concrete homes are repaired.
One said: “We are in our late 70s and can’t even get on the scheme yet. Time is not on our side and a lifetime’s work and savings invested in our home and biggest asset is worth nothing only heartache.
“Not just for us but our families too who will be left with the burden.”
Loving granny Mary Connors with her grandson Patrick Newman.
DEATH TRAP
The DCB Silver Circle Group’s Mary Connors, who revealed fears in the Donegal News that her house on Inch Island in Inishowen is a “death trap”, criticised the redress scheme.
Retired grandmother Mary (76), who bought her home in 2006, said: “Calling it a strong scheme is a joke. It is continuous torture and is pushing us all into poverty.
“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.”