On 27th November last year we were pleased to announce that after several months of active campaigning that we had achieved our objective of getting commitments that an upgraded heating system that is adequate for the residents living in Carrigart flats. After years living with an inadequate heating system, resulting in many health conditions and poor living conditions, we got assurances from the Housing Executive that plans would be put in place to upgrade the system from the old Economy 7 to Gas.
At the same time of this announcement the constitutional nationalist party Sinn Fein distributed leaflets and made statements that installation work would begin in early February 2019, this was a false promise.
Lasair Dhearg representative Pádraic McCoitir said that “this is indicative of the society in which we live, one in which political parties use and abuse local communities and give false promises for their own electoral gain. They think little of the consequences of their publicity stunts, especially the residents of Carrigart who may face the prospect of another winter living in inadequate conditions. We have continuously engaged with residents, campaigned and raised issues via various community forums and we will continue until the last flat in Carrigart is installed with a proper heating system.”
“Lasair Dhearg has continued to engage with local community groups and statutory bodies and we are concerned at the lack of engagement and consultation between the Housing Executive and residents in relation to when gas installations will begin. This is either continued blatant neglect of the residents of Carrigart or it is incompetence, either way it will not be tolerated.”
“Over the next number of weeks we will be seeking answers and will keep residents informed. If clear assurances and commitments cannot be made we will be putting plans in place to resume the ‘Campaign for Carrigart’.”
