Clinics will help those applying for redress
Michelle Coyle, the newly-appointed Defective Concrete Blocks Facilitator for Inishowen, pictured third from left, along with Shauna McClenaghan, joint CEO of IDP, Denise McCool, team lead, and Rachel Grant, administrator
Inishowen’s newly appointed Defective Concrete Blocks (DCB) Facilitator plans to hold weekly clinics across the peninsula to reach out to those in the community, who are in the process of applying for the redress scheme.
Michelle Coyle officially joined Inishowen Development Partnership at the end of February as the company’s new DCB Facilitator and since then she has hit the ground running.
Having gone through the redress scheme herself, Malin Head’s Michelle is only too aware of the challenges the role will bring.
She plans on holding weekly clinics across Inishowen to meet with the public and provide one-to-one support.
Starting from next Monday, March 27, from 10 until 11.30am, the clinics will be Mondays in Buncrana; Tuesdays at the Moville Family Resource Centre; Wednesdays at the Malin Head Community Association, Thursdays at the IDP office, Pound Street, Carn; and finally every Friday at the Clonmany Community Centre.
The clinics are open to the public but spaces are limited for the sessions, so booking is essential. Priority will be given to households that are most in need of urgent support and Michelle has been working with the Mica Action Group (MAG), who have been referring households.
‘I want to help’
Michelle is looking forward to getting out into the community and meeting with those affected by defective concrete blocks.
“I see so many families faced with obstacles in trying to access the redress scheme and I want to help in alleviating the stress. I feel this project is a small step towards helping our community move forward,” she explains.
Practical support in the various steps of the process are part of Michelle’s work; from scanning and uploading documents, to offering information sessions where homeowners can also learn about other supports out there, as well as tips and signposting on the various aspects involved.
Meanwhile Team Lead Denise McCool is hoping that IDP can continue its team approach with the new DCB role, whilst also recognising the magnitude of the position.
She said they will continue to work with other agencies, community groups and support services to support households.
“The community support on the ground continues to be vital for households and the outreach clinics will further enhance this work.”
“Michelle has linked in with key organisations locally and with MAG to get the service off the ground quickly. We are delighted to have her on the team,” Denise added.
Meanwhile, Michelle is one of two DCB Facilitators for the county. The other is Gerri Moran and she will be based at the Donegal Local Development Company in Letterkenny.
To book your slot with Michelle contact IDP on 074 9362218 or email: michelle@inishowen.ie.
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