by Louise Doyle
A FAMILY whose home is crumbling due to defective blocks have told of how they have defaulted on their mortgage repayments for the first time and plan to make a new life in Australia next month.
The family say they have flights, accommodation and employment lined up in Australia for January.
Posting anonymously on 100% Redress No Less for all Affected Home Owners with Defective Blocks Facebook page, the family wrote of taking the leap out of frustration at a lack of action being taken by the relevant authorities.
“I put up a few months ago about getting out of this mess,” the person wrote. “Have just defaulted on our first mortgage payment, flights accommodation and job sorted for January 2024 in Oz.
“So 2024 our new life begins.”
The person voiced their disappointment with politicians, adding: “I know a lot of people are not in the same position as we are to do the same thing and our heart bleeds for everyone in this position.”
The post was met with applause from well wishers.
One person wrote: “Very brave. Your future is in your hands,” while another group participant added: “Delighted for you and your family. I wish we could do the same, I’d walk away tomorrow if I had the courage. Wishing you the best in your new life. Never look back.”
“This is soul destroying to hear, shame on our government and council. Wish you the best of luck in your new home and hopefully someday you will be able to return home,” wrote another person.
It comes after Cassidy Brothers Concrete Products Limited appeared before court last week over alleged non-compliance with planning conditions at its Buncrana Headquarters.
Natasha Cassidy, a director of the company at the centre of the defective blocks scandal in Donegal, told the court that the business was forced to close due to a boycott campaign in 2021.
Donegal County Council has taken legal proceedings against the company for non-compliance with planning conditions at its headquarters in Gransha, Buncrana.
An enforcement notice was served on the company in May 2022. In January of this year a summons was issued.
‘More questions than answers’
The case, heard last week before Judge Éiteáin Cunningham, heard that the company was unable to discharge various financial contributions, totalling €670,000 to Donegal County Council.
The monies were part of strict conditions laid down by the local authority in granting planning permission for continuation of the quarry works.
Reacting to the recent case in court, campaigner Paddy Diver said it has raised more questions than it has answers.
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