James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for the question, which relates to Elm Park in Buncrana and advancement of the plans to relocate families. The Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks Act 2022 commenced on 22 June 2023. It underpins the current grant scheme and the related regulations that were adopted on 29 June 2023. I visited Donegal last year and met with many of the affected residents. I understand the flooding issue pertaining to Elm Park, where nine homeowners are particularly affected. Some of the homeowners impacted are eligible to avail of the defective concrete blocks scheme funded by my Department but they are understandably worried about availing of the scheme and remediating their homes without the flood risk being addressed. The OPW has a plan to undertake flood relief works. The residents are understandably concerned about the length of time before the flood works would be completed and have asked that consideration be given to relocation options. I appreciate the genuine concerns of residents based on their experience of recent years; indeed, I have seen the videos myself. Therefore, I am disposed towards finding solutions to the flooding issue based on the needs of those affected and to finding a workable solution. In the past, the OPW has used relocation schemes in some small and specific circumstances and I have asked officials in my Department to find a method of relocating the families that come under the scheme.

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