Briefing to address construction industry fears over defective blocks scheme

An information session for the construction industry on the defective concrete block scheme is being held in Buncrana.

The event, which is being run by Inishowen Development Partnership, is being held in a bid to allay some concerns which exist within the industry.

The session will outline the operation of the scheme and overview on the various aspects relevant to the construction sector and how developers and subcontractors across the industry might position themselves to meet demand. 

The breakfast briefing, due to take place in Inishowen Gateway Hotel on January 19, is free and open to all local builders, engineers, architects and tradespeople who want to find out more about the operational and practical application of the scheme. 

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IDP’s defective concrete blocks facilitator Michelle Coyle will speak at the event and provide an overview of how the scheme works for builders/contractors locally, the key steps in the process and the paperwork required from the builders end as well as the householders stage payments schedule. 

“We understand there is a lot of concerns out there within the construction sector, but I hope to be able to allay some of those and focus on the significant building demand from homeowners in the Inishowen region alone. We will share guidelines on the steps and stages involved for builders,”  Michelle said. 

Architect Shane Doherty will also speak at the information session on his experiences with defective block rebuilds and, crucially, the administration process around the scheme itself. 

Martin McDermott, chairperson of Donegal County Council’s defective concrete block committee, will also speak on the day.

The event can be booked here, and while it is free, booking is still necessary for room space limits and dietary requirements for the breakfast.