Women affected by defective blocks crisis set up new homeowners initiative 

A group of Inishowen women affected by the defective concrete blocks crisis have started a range of focus groups aimed at helping homeowners deal with the major issues they are facing.

The initiative includes an application support team aimed at helping homeowners through the application process for the redress scheme.

Affected homeowners Roisin Gallagher, Joy Beard, Brenda Tierney Joyce and Claire McDaid, all from Buncrana, have established the Redress Focus Groups initiative.

The four women have developed the initiatives after a call-out for volunteers and holding two public meetings in January and February.

Ms Gallagher said the initiatives over the last two years will help the practical and mental health needs of property owners and young people affected by the mica crisis.

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She said the work has resulted in over 100 volunteers now actively involved in 15 major issues over 15 focus groups. The application support team is operating with six volunteers actively helping homeowners with their application forms. The homeowner-led initiatives are independent of Donegal County Council or any other campaign groups, Ms Gallagher said.
“We are making change happen together. We believed people wanted to take control of their fate and feel empowered to be a part of the solution to rebuild their lives and rebuild Donegal,” she said.

A public meeting of the Redress Focus Groups initiative is taking place at An Grianan Hotel, Burt on Thursday, March 3 at 7pm. The event is a support meeting for all property owners and updates will be given on the different focus groups. The application support group can be connected on 087 744 8623. The line is open between 10am and 4pm Monday to Thursday.