Serious concern raised over flats

By Laura Glenn - laura.glenn@inishtimes.com BUNCRANA Councillor Joe Doherty has expressed serious concern that a number of people allocated flats by Buncrana Town Council have now been told they cannot move in yet. At the recent monthly meeting of the council, Councillor Doherty asked if planning permission was granted for flats in Cockhill and, if so, when could those they were allocated to move in. In a written reply Councillor Doherty was informed planning permission was granted at the beginning of October but currently there are legal matters regarding the purchase which have not yet been completed. He was also told that at the moment an increase in price by the developer is under review. Councillor Doherty says he is “certainly not happy with the answers the council has been given”. He said: “It is an insult to the people who got notified nine or ten weeks ago they got a flat and then to be told by letter they can’t move in because of planning permission and other issues. “Why did we allocate flats that had no planning permission? Why did we allocate flats that we didn’t or havent purchased? “These are questions I’m asked but can’t answer. “One of the best functions a council can do for anyone looking to be housed is to supply that need. “Buncrana Town Council is second to none when it comes to that. I’ll be asking this situation is resolved as quickly as possible in the interest of all. Hopefully at the November meeting I’ll get these answers as promised by the assistant county manager.”