Buncrana defective blocks homeowners who face flood risk want to be relocated

Defective blocks homeowners in a Buncrana housing estate which was hit by flooding in 2017 are asking to be relocated rather than rebuild their houses on a floodplain.

Residents in Elm Park are holding a meeting next week calling for relocation of the owners of defective blocks homes who say they do not want to rebuild their houses where the river Crana burst its banks during the heavy rain storm which brought flooding to parts of Inishowen in August 2017.

100% Pedress Party TD Charles Ward says residents in the estate who are affected by defective blocks are running out of time to decide whether to rebuild their homes or be relocated. Speaking ahead of the meeting for residents on March 10, he said  the situation “has reached a critical point”. 

“It is economically unviable to build eight houses on a flood plain. There should not be a single house there. The risk to life is  unquestionable,” he said.

“Residents should be allowed to be relocated rather than the State spending millions on remediating houses and flood defences in an area that will be flooded again”.

“Current government strategies risk worsening financial and emotional strains while residents seek to rebuild their lives,” he said.

“To avoid placing an undue burden on taxpayers, the Office of Public Works (OPW), the Department of Finance, and the Housing Authority must send representatives to meet with residents on the 10th of March to devise a sustainable solution. A coordinated approach will help restore confidence among Elm Park residents and the broader community.” 

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The TD said relocation offers a sensible and cost-effective alternative and would save the estimated €4.3 million cost of demolishing and rebuilding homes in a flood-prone area. 

Relocation would provide residents with a fresh start and prevent future crises, he added.

“We urge the Department of Housing, OPW, and Donegal County Council to collaborate for a fair resolution. We elected representatives must advocate for swift action to prevent further devastation for these families.”