Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I acknowledge the work done on this to date and highlight the issues in my own constituency, as other Deputies may have already. Many people have been in touch on an ongoing basis over the past year. We have raised concerns in different ways. Since April, we have spoken with homeowners in St. Gabriel's, Granitefield Manor, Cabinteely, Dún Laoghaire and Blackrock, who are all affected. At a recent residents' association meeting, people in one area were advised that a ballpark figure for the cost of an apartment could be in the region of €25,000 for the remediation of defects. I have spoken with one family who have outgrown their apartment but they cannot sell it given the current defects. It will impact on their lives in an ongoing way until this is redressed and they have a clear plan. It is very difficult. I spoke with one lady who, at considerable cost to herself, addressed the defects in her apartment. It is not exactly money she had lying around. She found the money and was able to invest. She had saved and saved to be able to do the work and found other ways to finance it. She is concerned about whether a retrospective measure may be included in any scheme to be of assistance to her with the work she has already done, and how the equity of that might be spread out between her and her neighbours.

I am aware of, and have to be sensitive and careful about, a matter which is in front of the courts, which relates to the ongoing issues with Carrickmines Green.

It is currently in front of the courts so I must be very sensitive about mentioning anything in the House. I simply wish to acknowledge that while these things are pending, whether in the courts or any other place, the stress for individuals and families is considerable. I spoke with one lady in that project who is concerned about the morality of allowing anybody to continue to live there as a tenant until she knows what the situation is. I speak to that ongoing stress and uncertainty, which is personal, moral and financial in nature. This is why the development of a scheme, and clarity for people in every possible way, is so important and urgent. It is a matter of equity that it be addressed as soon as possible.

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