Defective block homeowner Joy Beard has been added to the 100% Redress Party ticket for the local elections in Buncrana.
Joy has been a defective concrete campaigner for over seven years and was one of the co-founders of the Redress Focus Groups.
Commenting on her selection, Joy said: “I’m delighted to have been chosen to represent the 100% Redress Party
in the Buncrana electoral area at the local elections in June. I’ve lived in Buncrana for 17 years, having fallen in love with the beautiful town and surrounding area. The people are so warm and friendly and yet so many of their lives have been turned upside down by the defective concrete crisis.”
“When I moved to the area in 2007, I had no idea that my dream home – along with so many others in Donegal – would soon start to show the signs of defective concrete. I was devastated to learn two years ago, that my house would have to be demolished. I share the frustration and anger felt by thousands of others at the way in which we have been treated by our elected representatives.”
“Sadly, the majority of our councillors have not done enough to help. They are not taking this humanitarian crisis seriously which is partly why we are in such a dire situation. If more of them had put the people before their parties, perhaps things would be better. I was involved in the preparation of a business plan for a support hub – a place to help, guide and let homeowners know they are not alone – but sadly this wasonly backed by a handful of councillors. I will continue to fight to get this invaluable resource in place”.
“My biggest fear is that a tragedy will soon happen. Our homes are increasingly becoming unsafe and unhealthy. I can’t imagine what unseen damage is being done to our health due to the presence of mould and damp.”
“I’m also worried about the impact the defective block crisis will have on the things that we take for granted. With commercial premises excluded from the present scheme, our shops, care homes, playgroups, GAA clubs, community centres, dentists, health care facilities, hotels and restaurants are all in jeopardy. It’s frightening what Donegal could look like in a few years’ time. So many jobs and livelihoods are in peril.”
“But I also want to tackle other issues that matter. The amenities in Buncrana and the surrounding areas are totally inadequate and this needs to be addressed as a matter of urgency. No wonder so many of our young people are leaving.”
“I have a wealth of experience in the tourism and hospitality industries and realise that these are essential to Buncrana and Inishowen. Our beautiful area needs to be better promoted to increase the number of visitors, create jobs and encourage more businesses to invest.”