Ward: ‘We’ve done our part – now it’s time for the Housing Minister to do his’

Charles Ward TD has said it’s over to the Minister for Housing following a meeting described as “encouraging” on Monday.

Minister James Browne was at the County Offices in Lifford to discuss housing matters with council officials, while he will also meet with local councillors over progress on the defective concrete block scheme.

“I welcome the recent visit by the Minister, who met with key stakeholders to hear first-hand the pressing concerns and detailed evidence surrounding the Defective Concrete Crisis,” Ward said.

“The Minister’s presence was a valuable opportunity for all involved to present the full and true picture, the lived experiences, heartfelt testimonies, and the hard scientific facts that support the urgent need for action. 

“Stakeholders from across the campaign poured out their hearts and laid out their case with clarity and conviction. From community representatives to technical experts, every voice was united in its call for decisive leadership. The message delivered to the Minister was clear, comprehensive, and unequivocal. 

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“With all the evidence now on the table, the ball is firmly in the Minister’s court. The responsibility lies with him to respond meaningfully to what he has heard and to chart a course of action that reflects the seriousness of the situation. 

“We were encouraged by his commitment to a follow-up meeting with stakeholders, a step we believe is essential for continued transparency and progress. We now await confirmation of the date for that meeting and hope it marks the beginning of a genuine and sustained engagement process. Everyone has spoken. The facts are on record. We await the Minister’s next move, and we will be watching closely.”