Redress Focus Groups
Making Change Happen Together
Defective Concrete Crisis Support
So what is the Defective Concrete Crisis?
Over a decade ago, a crisis quietly emerged in Ireland, one that has profoundly impacted thousands of homeowners. During this period, many homes were constructed using concrete blocks, which, unbeknownst to residents at the time, contained materials susceptible to a destructive process called internal sulphate attack, due to pyrite and pyrrhotite.
This crisis has caused homes to deteriorate so badly some are already uninhabitable with thousands more rapidly following this fate.
What is the Redress Focus Groups?
The Redress Focus Groups were created by Defective Concrete homeowners in Donegal in January 2023. With an acute awareness and foresight in to the enormity of this crisis we knew that it would take an army of people to come together to help fix it.
Breaking the crisis down in to its many issues meant the right people with the same skillsets would be able to come together so thats what we did and from there began, the Redress Focus Groups.
As a support network we are not affiliated to any political party, but are here to support all affected property owners. We are not part of the the Mica Action Group, who are dealing with the Scheme and the Government directly.
An Grianan Hotel, Burt
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the beautiful An Grianan Hotel for their ongoing show of support to our community by providing their venue free of charge for our public and group meetings over the last few years.
An Grianan Hotel is a stunning venue for any event with its beautiful surroundings, central location, dedicated staff and delicious food.
Follow the link to find out more about this beautiful hotel in the heart of Donegal.
Information Topics
Welcome to our recently updated website, November 2024. You will notice a lot more information has been added as well as more detailed sections to help you navigate the complexities of the scheme and the crisis. You will also notice some information has been deleted and some changes have been made. For now, Redress Focus Groups are not taking on any more volunteers. This may change in 2025 but in the meantime we encourage all groups to continue working together on the many issues we face and to feel free to bring in volunteers to their own groups if needed.
I would like to thank and acknowledge those who have kindly donated and given up their free time to make the website the essential resource it is. The work and time that has gone into making this website is huge and we are so very grateful to our web development team at MEANit.ie, Michael MacGinty and John Rainey, our web designer Brenda Tierney Joyce of Tierneyjoyce.com, contributors Shane Doherty of Shane Doherty Architects, Joe Morgan, and the experts and researchers who helped contribute to the content on the website. This has been a very successful and enjoyable collaboration and I am delighted with what we have achieved to help the thousands of people affected by this awful crisis. If you want to contribute to the website or notice anything I may have incorrect please get in touch,
Thank you all so much
Roisin Gallagher
Disclaimer
The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only. While we strive to ensure that all content is accurate and up-to-date, we make no guarantees or warranties, express or implied, regarding the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability of any information contained on the website. The use of any information on this website is at your own risk.
The information provided does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. We strongly recommend that you consult with a qualified professional before making any decisions or taking action based on the content of this website.
Neither Redress Focus Groups nor its contributors will be liable for any loss or damage, including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from reliance on information provided on this website. By using this website, you agree to this disclaimer in full.
If you spot any inaccuracies or misinformation please get in touch and let us know. If you would like to add information to our website or add your business details to our list of building contacts then please get in touch at info@redressfocusgroups.ie
Accommodation and Storage
Information on temporary accommodation and the ancillary grants for rental and storage
Appealing your Decision
Independent Panel to assess appeals under the Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the use of Defective Concrete Blocks Scheme
Approved Rates on the DCB Scheme
How much will I be allocated to rebuild?
Banking and Insurance
Information on the role of the banks and Insurance companies.
BER Cert
Building Professional Contacts
Comprehensive list with contact details
Building/Rebuilding/What's Covered/Planning etc.
Old and new energy saving regulations, reusing items, what is covered, types of rebuild, planning etc.
Coleman Legal
Information on this legal case and how to sign up
Commencement Notice
Schedule notice of commencement works
Copy of Deeds
How to find the deeds of your property
Courses & Workshops
Educational and Wellbeing courses and workshops written for young people and adults
DCB Support Hub
Our hub proposal and update on the quest for sufficient supports to be put in place
Documents Needed to Get Started
Contact a facilitator if you feel you need help
Documentaries of the Campaign
Documentaries made about the campaign
Donegal County Council Scheme Updates
Link to the DCB section on DCC website
Donegal Co. Council Steering Committee
RFG have asked for regular updates on work this committee is doing. Find them here.
Downgraded Homeowners
Many homeowners have been downgraded from full demolition
Eligibility
What qualifies for this scheme
Enhanced Defective Concrete Scheme
Information on the grant scheme currently in place
EU Involvement
Find out more about EU involvement
ESB/Wifi/Postal relocation
How to relocate/disconnect
Facilitators for the DCB Scheme
Government DCB Steering Committee
Who and what is this about? Correspondence included
Government Documents
Links to terms of reference, ministerial guidelines, etc.
Glossary
Here you'll see who is who and what is their role, explained!
Ideas Centre
Ideas that may help our campaign will be listed here
Ireland's Timeline
On the Precipice, by Debra McCoy
IS:465
What is it and what's the problem?
Local Property Tax
How to get an exemption from LPT
Media Centre
Our media centre here with media coverage throughout the years
Mental Health Supports
What supports are available to property owners
Music of the Campaign
Beautiful music written about the crisis
Ombudsman for Children
Info on how the Ombudsman has now become involved and what their office is doing
Planning Compliance Certificate
With planning permission – this can be provided by the Competent Building Professional.
Public and Commercial Properties
Rebuilding Options 1 - 5
What are the remedial options available to homeowners on the grant scheme - and why they are no longer relevant
Remedial Works Plan
A guide on remedial works
SEAI Grants
Info on SEAI grants
Second Homes/Rentals
You can apply for one rental property as well as your own principal private residence
Schedule of Works
A guide on schedule of works
Shortfall and Upfront Costs
What is the shortfall and how much is needed to start works
Social Housing
There will be a different route/scheme for social housing
Social Media - Who to Follow
Social media pages that focus on the Defective Concrete Crisis.
Stage Payments
The first stage will be after demolition at subfloor level
Step by Step Guide
Step by step guide to help guide you through the DCB scheme application
Support Meetings 2024
Tax Clearance Number
How to get your tax clearance number
Temporary and Alternative Accommodation
The document in full
The People’s Document
The document in full
Unsure if you are affected?
A guide to check if your property is affected
The Science Explained
Explanations, latest research and peer reviewed articles.
100% Redress Party
Info on the political party formed by homeowners
Latest News
The People’s Document Meeting, March 26th 2024
The Inishowen Gateway, Tuesday 26th March at 7pm. This meeting is incredibly important, and it's essential for us to show up in significant numbers to illustrate the real essence of 100% redress.Video from first People's Document meeting
A true 100% Redress Scheme
With an important election year ahead, homeowners affected by the Defective Concrete Crisis are being urged by Donegal campaign groups to attend an important meeting on 4th March 2024, 7pm at the An Grianan Hotel, Burt to have their say on what a true 100% Redress Scheme looks like.
Update on the Banking & Insurance Redress Focus Group
The Banking and Insurance Redress Focus Group members have decided to leave the Redress Focus Groups and become an independent group under a different name.
Vision Statement
Redress Focus Groups envisions a community where property owners affected by the defective blocks crisis in Donegal are empowered and supported in addressing the practical and emotional challenges we face.
We strive for a future where property owners take the lead in their futures, our children's futures and the future of Donegal so that we regain confidence in our properties, find resolution to the issues, and rebuild our lives resiliently with renewed hope and security.
At Redress Focus Groups, we stand united with the Defective block -affected community, providing them with a supportive network, a platform for collective action, and a beacon of hope.
Together, we work towards a future where justice is served, homes are safe, and the voices of those impacted by the Defective Block Crisis are heard and respected.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Redress Focus Groups is to empower and facilitate property owners affected by the defective blocks crisis in Donegal.
Through collaborative efforts, we aim to provide a platform for homeowners to bring forward and share experiences, knowledge, and resources, enabling them to tackle the 10 major practical and emotional issues they encounter.
Our mission is to advocate for fair and comprehensive solutions, secure support services, and drive positive change in policies and regulations.
By fostering a supportive community, we seek to provide a trusting and supportive place, empowering individuals, and promote the well-being and resilience of homeowners impacted by the defective blocks crisis.