MLA welcomes leaking roof repairs in Culcavy

Mrs Hale was contacted by residents of Grove Park Culcavy regarding a number of leaking roofs in February 2012.

She explained: “After contacting NIHE, I was informed that a scheme was on the drawing board to replace a number of the roofs and that this would then go out to tender.”

In April 2012 I was informed that a survey would have to be conducted during the summer months to determine the exact cause of the rain penetration, with twenty properties to be included in the survey and scheme,” she continued.

The MLA said that due to the new consultancy framework not being in place, the survey of the properties, costs, statutory consultancy and tender process was delayed and the roof scheme was re-scheduled for the 2013/14 financial year.

“As further slippages became apparent I undertook to write to the then Minister of Social Development Nelson McCausland on several occasions highlighting the case for this work to be done as a priority and I was advised by the Minister in 2014 that the tender documentation for the scheme was with the Housing Executive’s contracts Department and that the scheme was still progressing in order to make a Autumn 2014 start date,” she commented.

After three years of consistent lobbying, Mrs Hale said she was delighted to join DSD Minister Mervyn Storey on site at Grove Park Culcavy recently to welcome the completion of this scheme.

“It has been a long journey and I would commend the residents for their patience, resilience and for approaching myself on numerous occasions with their concerns over the progression of this scheme. “I also welcome confirmation that a number of garage roofs in Dunbeg Park Hillsborough are to be replaced in the coming weeks and I am continuing to lobby for the Housing Executive’s double-glazing scheme to commence in the next financial year,” said Mrs Hale.