MIDLANDS North-West MEP Ciaran Mullooly is pressing the European Commission to urgently advance its infringement proceedings against the Irish Government over its handling of the defective concrete blocks scandal, which has devastated communities in Donegal and Mayo.

On a visit to Donegal in recent days, MEP Mullooly, vice chair of the EU Housing Crisis Committee, was joined by Deputy Charles Ward TD and Councillors Ali Farren, Joy Beard, Thomas Sean Devine and Denis McGee of the 100% Redress Party, meeting families in damaged homes. He described what he saw as “shocking” and called for immediate EU action.

“I saw for myself the shocking damage done to human lives and homes by defective blocks in County Donegal this week,” MEP Mullooly said.

“Families have been left living in unsafe, crumbling houses through no fault of their own. It is simply unacceptable that they are still waiting for justice. This cannot continue.”

Mullooly has submitted a Parliamentary Question demanding an urgent update on infringement proceedings the Commission has already launched against Ireland for failing to properly implement EU construction product regulations. He is also seeking assurances that EU safety standards will be enforced without delay, and confirmed he will raise the issue directly with Commissioner Stéphane Séjourné at next week’s Strasbourg session.

“The Commission must move quickly. These families in Donegal and Mayo cannot be left in limbo any longer. Europe has a role to play in holding the Irish Government to its obligations under EU law, and I intend to keep this issue firmly on the agenda in Brussels and Strasbourg.”

Deputy Charles Ward TD added: “There are thousands of houses effected across Donegal from Solomon’s Hill, Inishowen and Letterkenny to the Finn Valley, South Donegal and West Donegal. It’s everywhere.”

Cllr Joy Beard said: “The key issue is safety. Families are living in houses not fit for anyone, never mind children or the elderly.”

Cllr Ail Farren stated: “The problem lies with the Government in Dublin. We need a scheme that is fit for purpose. It could be workable, but right now the lack of finance and obstacles are stopping homeowners from accessing it.”

Mullooly pledged to ensure campaigners are heard in Europe:
“I am arranging for representatives of the defective blocks campaign to come before the European Parliament’s Housing Committee so members can hear first-hand the dangers families face and the flaws in the current redress scheme. Their testimony must be heard at the highest level.”
More than 6,000 homes across Ireland are affected, with Donegal worst hit.