Repeated Housing Agency absence from Defective Concrete Blocks Committee criticised

At today’s meeting of the Defective Concrete Blocks (DCB) Committee, Cllr Declan Meehan expressed strong criticism of the Housing Agency’s continued absence from critical committee meetings, noting that the agency has failed to attend five out of the last nine meetings since September 2024.

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Speaking at the committee, Cllr Meehan underscored the vital role the Housing Agency plays in the implementation of the Defective Concrete Blocks Scheme, particularly in regard to their responsibility for assessing and, in many cases, downgrading homeowners’ proposed remediation options.

“The Housing Agency has an integral role in the operation of the scheme, and their absence from over half of our meetings since last September is unacceptable,” he said. “This committee is the only forum where elected representatives and affected homeowners have a direct line of accountability with the Agency. Without their regular attendance, that accountability breaks down.”

Cllr Meehan warned that the inability to engage with the Housing Agency on a monthly basis severely undermines the committee’s work and the trust of homeowners still waiting for clarity and support through the redress process. He called on the Housing Agency to prioritise attendance at all future meetings of the DCB Committee and to engage meaningfully with the concerns raised by homeowners, public representatives, and advocacy groups.

“The people affected by defective blocks deserve transparency, timely information, and above all, respect. That starts with showing up,” Meehan concluded.