A DONEGAL County Councillor has raised concerns about the money being spent maintaining social houses with defective concrete, due to the lack of a dedicated Defective Concrete Block (DCB) scheme for local authorities.
The council has no choice but to divert funds from the housing maintenance budget, which Cllr Brian Carr says is causing other properties in the area to suffer.
So far this year, the Glenties Municipal District has already exceeded its annual maintenance budget of €115,000 by nearly €10,000.
The work includes filling cracks and painting homes with oil-based paint, ensuring residents can continue to live in their homes.
“No other houses will be painted if the budget is €115,000 and €124,000 has already been spent,” stressed Cllr Carr.
During the discussion, Area Housing Manager Michael Rowsome revealed that there are currently four properties in the Glenties MD in need of “substantial work” due to DCB issues.
He explained that these repairs will cost in the region of €100,000, which will have a significant impact on the budget.
Cllr Carr acknowledged that homes affected by DCB are the most in need of maintenance, “but we also need to ensure that other social houses are kept in good condition,” he added.
100% Redress Party Councillor Denis McGee, criticised the absence of a dedicated scheme and suggested that the council write to the government.
Cllr Carr agreed and said that ahead of the next plenary council meeting he would submit a motion requesting that the government refund the money spent on maintaining DCB affected properties to each Municipal District.
