Donegal defective blocks support network announces it is ceasing to operate

Redress Focus Groups, a voluntary support organisation for homeowners affected by defective blocks, has announced it is to cease operating.

The network was formed in January 2023 by a group of defective block homeowners.

It has been running regular meetings and operating a range of 10 focus groups run by almost 100 volunteers looking at different aspects of the defective blocks crisis. The network has in particular drawn a focus to the issues around banking and insurance.

In a statement, chair of the group, Roisin Gallagher, said that from this week the network would “cease to exist”, citing a lack of the “resources, support or assistance we need to continue or sustain the initiative to the level it has been up until now”.

She said the group failed to get emergency funding to continue after approaches to the government, Donegal County Council and local bodies.

Ms Gallagher added that she hoped the move would be temporary, but said the organisation needs  the full support of local and national government, Donegal County Council,

local groups, or organisations and initiatives, as well as more volunteers.

“We have an amazing team of people and an amazing group of volunteers but far too few to handle the scale of what we are dealing with and not enough collaboration from others to make change happen together,” she said.

“We are passionate and determined but it's just not possible to do it without more volunteers - more help, support and proper resources.”

The defective blocks crisis is an unprecedented situation and “therefore a unique initiative like Redress Focus Groups is very much needed with unique solutions to make it work put in place”.

“We are not competitors to any existing community group or organisation causing displacement, we are a unique need for a unique purpose needed to work collaboratively with every corner of our society.”

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Ms Gallagher said the extent of the defective blocks crisis in Donegal means  “it is time for Donegal County Council to declare a state of emergency in CountyDonegal”. 

“We have yet to see any awareness or understanding of the seriousness, size and scale of this crisis within the Donegal County Council so we are not hopeful the right decisions will be made in this regard.”

On behalf of the founders of the network and its committee, she thanked  “every single person who came forward to volunteer, support and lend a hand in making this initiative happen”.

The networks’ website, redressfocusgroups.ie, will continue to be updated and kept running.