Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 October 2021
446. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 318, 319 and 320 of 5 October 2021, the reason and the way in which representatives from other action groups were involved in the discussion around the inclusion of County Clare homeowners. [50545/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra447. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 318, 319 and 320 of 5 October 2021, the nature of this discussion given that there is no substantive reference to it in the working group's report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50546/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra448. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 318, 319 and 320 of 5 October 2021, when he will present to the Cabinet his conclusions based on the working group's report and the homeowners' position paper. [50547/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 446, 447 and 448 together.
The Defective Concrete Blocks Working Group which I established, was tasked with a review of issues of concern which had been raised by homeowners in respect of the Scheme, which applies to Mayo and Donegal only. Under the agreed Terms of Reference, one of the areas in scope for review was the issue of "Eligible Homes". This included, homes in the counties of Donegal and Mayo and the potential to extend the Scheme to homes in other local authority areas. Other interested parties sought admittance onto the Working Group but homeowners were restricted to those from counties within the Scheme.
It was considered that homeowners from Donegal and Mayo, who made up 50% of the working group, could adequately represent the views of homeowners who may be affected, regardless of their location. However, it was not the role or responsibility of these homeowner representatives to advocate on behalf of Clare specifically, for inclusion into the existing scheme. That work is being progressed by Clare County Council and a report on the matter was finalised and submitted by the Council at the end of
July. A formal response to the submission from the Council will issue shortly from my Department.
The Report of the Working Group, published on my Department's website, includes a request from both Engineers Ireland and the homeowner representatives that the Scheme should be open to all homeowners affected by the issue of defective concrete blocks, regardless of their location. My Department is in ongoing discussions with four local authorites on the matter.
Any extension of the Scheme will be considered as part of broader considerations by Government as part of the process following receipt of the Report of the Working Group on Defective Concrete Blocks. In this regard, following discussions with Government colleagues, I will shortly be bringing proposals to Government.
