Government urged to address defective concrete and flood risk at Buncrana estate

The 100% Redress Party is calling for urgent Government intervention to address “critical safety and financial concerns” at Buncrana’s Elm Park.

Residents at the housing development face an imminent flood risk, compounded by the defective concrete crisis, threatening both their homes and their public safety.

A number of Elm Park properties, which back onto the Crana River, were swamped during the big flood of August 2017, and there have been several ‘near-misses’ since then. Homeowners are now understandably worried about the prospect of rebuilding their houses in a flood-prone area, which remains undefended.

Deputy Charles Ward has written to Minister for Housing James Browne, highlighting just how precarious the situation is.

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The Redress TD warns that Elm Park residents are vulnerable to “total loss”, both from flooding and defective blocks.

“With potential flooding looming, it is crucial for the OPW, the Department of Finance, and the Housing Authority to engage with affected residents. This engagement, communicated by Charlie McConalogue TD on March 28, is vital to developing a collaborative and sustainable solution that restores trust and ensures the safety of the community.”

“Flooding issues, coupled with inadequate flood insurance, have left residents vulnerable to total loss. The previously experienced dangers of 2017, alongside delays in implementing protective measures, exacerbate the situation.”

Elm Park residents are seeking the opportunity to rebuild their mica-affected homes elsewhere, further back from the Crana River – otherwise their new properties could easily be swamped again, with planned flood defences still years away.

Deputy Ward explains: “A proposed relocation strategy, the ‘Targeted Humanitarian Aid Scheme’, offers a practical and cost-effective alternative to the estimated €4.3 million needed for demolishing and rebuilding homes in this flood-prone area. This plan not only provides residents with a fresh start but also saves State finances by eliminating the need for flood defenses at Elm Park.”

He said: “The Minister of State for the OPW and Flood Relief, Seán Canney, highlighted in 2016 that the scheme was designed for properties affected by past floods. It is now imperative that the Department of Housing, OPW, and Donegal County Council collaborate to reach a fair resolution. As public representatives, we are committed to advocating for immediate action to shield these families from further devastation.”

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Deputy Ward added: “The government is urged to prioritise the needs of these people, acting swiftly and responsibly to avoid further delays. The predicament faced by Elm Park residents underscores the necessity of timely intervention to safeguard communities and conserve public resources.”