RFG Progress Report September 2023

In no particular order, a list of projects and tasks Redress Focus Groups have been, are and will be working on:

Almost 100 volunteers currently signed up to Redress Focus Groups.

Website development, rebranding, press release and launch. An online resource for property owners, volunteers, potential volunteers, media and stakeholders and press release published on the 11th of October with official launch at An Grianan Hotel, Burt on the 24th of October 2023 at 7pm 

Organising a special full council meeting with Redress Focus Groups representatives, county councillors, TDs and Council Executives to update and hopefully begin working together to resolve the issues RFG are working on.

Formation of Redress Focus Groups Committee.

Registered as a full member of the Exchange Inishowen charity. Seeking urgent funding for the Support Hub and to ensure Redress Focus Groups can persist with the essential work they do.

Centralisation of media and public inquiries to the Redress Focus Groups committee. Media and PR professionals on board with consistent presence online

Actively working with Open Government. Lobbying relative departments eg. planning regarding legislation surrounding the vulnerability of affected properties in relation to construction or quarry blasting taking place close by, amongst other things.

Participation in the joint Oireachtas committee meeting on Finance, public expenditure and reform, and Taoiseach to discuss Redress with Redress Focus Groups 4th  July 2023

Meetings have taken place with the Finance Minister and senior management and product development teams from AIB, BOI, PTSB, Banking federation, Insurance Ireland, Central Bank of Ireland as well as smaller institutions and vulture entities.

Research on the Defective Blocks Crisis and its impacts on people and families. Our Mental Health and Youth Focus Group is made up of many researchers and professionals working together to research the impacts of this crisis and pursue supports that are needed. 

Actively engaging with local schools and youth organisations to research and pursue supports and resources needed for young people to help them through this crisis. Requests put forward for resources to be given in light of the crisis by Redress Focus Groups have so far been refused by Norma Foley and the Dept. Of Education.

Development of a customisable 6 module educational, community, well-being and resiliency course for people living through the crisis. Development of two well being and resiliency workshops, for adults and teens.  Exploring ways in which these resources could be brought to all settings in the community, workplace, schools, youth groups, FET and so on for both adults and young people via the HSE and department of Education etc. so far these courses and workshops are not being rolled out but it is hoped they will be soon.

Development of resiliency skills and self care workshop for adults and also for teens

Encouragement of students and youth involvement calling out to local clubs, colleges and universities

Meetings held with all Donegal TDs and most Councillors

Special meetings being held with Trade, Construction & Building Professionals to begin talks on working together on the major task of rebuilding Donegal in the most innovative, efficient & cost effective ways.

Topics include:

• Gaining a workforce and incentives
• Housing for workforce
• Establishment of skilled task teams
• Overpricing/price gouging
• Developent of a Defective Blocks Crisis costings estimation application (currently being developed)
• Information sheets to be written for house types/energy efficiency/heating systems etc
• Temp accommodation. Submission being written for County Development Plan 2024-2030
• Innovation
• Collaboration
• Efficient and cost effective building solutions
• Self builds, complicated rebuilds, end to end solutions etc.

Meetings being sought and engagement with government officials on health-related issues

Seeking funding for the Support Hub.

Support Hub proposal and information document.

Data gathering and statistics collection specifically undertaking the task of gathering a more accurate gauge of how many properties and property types are affected throughout the county.

Health and Safety Assessment of up to 50 defective block homes.

Submission on temporary accommodation for private homeowners during rebuilds for consideration in the Donegal County Development Plan 2024-2030

Coordination of 12 Redress Focus Groups public meetings and numerous remote and in person meetings for each individual focus group throughout 2023.

Preparation for European delegation visit with representation speaking at this meeting

Submission from Redress Focus Groups to  Joint Committee Meeting on housing, local government and heritage 23rd June

Appearance by members of Redress Focus Groups in local and national media interviews via print, radio, podcasts and Primetime RTE.

This list is not exhaustive.