THE Government is to issue a booklet to warn families about winter emergency preparedness – but is not giving “special consideration” to households in defective block homes.
Campaigner Joy Beard of the 100% Redress Party was elected as a Donegal County councillor to fight for thousands of people across the county with crumbling homes.
She said: “Every household is to receive the Government’s Be Emergency Ready booklet with advice on preparing for emergencies and severe weather.
“But what about families who are living in defective concrete homes?
“I have specifically requested that consideration be given to a section addressing defective concrete homes and the particular risks faced by the families living in them.
“These are not ordinary homes. Many have severe cracking, walls are crumbling, warped windows and doors, water ingress and increasing structural concerns.
“Our blocks are turning to dust but they didn’t feel it was important enough to include thousands of homes that are crumbling with families inside them.
“During storms and periods of severe weather, homeowners are understandably frightened about how their homes will withstand the conditions.
“They are literally crumbling down around them. Absolutely terrifying everyday but especially during a severe weather warningstorm.
“Some families have been living with this deterioration for years while waiting for decisions, appeals, technical reviews or the opportunity to progress through the Defective Concrete Blocks Scheme.
“Yet once again, there appears to be no specific recognition of these households in national emergency preparedness information.
“We cannot keep pretending this problem does not exist.
“If the Government is genuinely serious about being ‘emergency ready’, then it must acknowledge that thousands of people in affected counties are living in homes whose condition can make severe weather an entirely different experience.”
Councillor Joy Beard.
Inishowen Cllr Beard added: “There should be clear guidance for defective concrete homeowners on several issues.
“For example, what to do if they believe their home is becoming unsafe during severe weather?
“Who they should contact in an emergency? What temporary accommodation arrangements are available?
“What assistance local authorities can provide? What families should do if they need to leave their home at short notice?
“Defective concrete homes are particularly vulnerable during severe weather, and the people living in them deserve to know that there is a plan to keep them safe.”
Cllr Joy Beard has
Thousands of homes across Donegal are crumbling due to defective blocks and are at extra risk during winter.
The Government booklet states: “From storms and power cuts to flooding and health emergencies, Ireland can experience a range of emergencies.
“Planning ahead and taking simple steps can help reduce disruption. Find out how you and your household can prepare as part of the Be Emergency Ready campaign.
“Learn to be Emergency Ready by downloading the booklet, important contact numbers and checklist.”
The booklet is available from the gov.ieenoffice-of-emergency-planningcampaignsbe-emergency-ready website.