Donegal man shines a light on defective block crisis that impacted 7,000 homes in new film
As Michael grapples with the physical decay of his home and the battles with government bureaucracy, he also faces a personal health crisis.
A Donegal filmmaker has highlighted the stark reality faced by families impacted by defective concrete blocks.
GALAR is based on the real-life events of homeowners in Donegal. The story follows Michael Gallagher, a rural homeowner whose life is upended by the discovery of defective building blocks in his house.
As Michael grapples with the physical decay of his home and the battles with government bureaucracy, he also faces a personal health crisis.
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The film delves into themes of resilience, community, and the fight for justice amidst adversity. The title GALAR, meaning "disease" in Irish, reflects not just Michael's invisible illness but also the deteriorating state of his home.
Director Niall Duffy was born in Donegal, but he grew up on the north-west coast and developed a keen interest in film from an early age.
Inspired by Irish history and compelled by the captivating landscape surrounding him, he formed a desire to tell unique and original stories.
He said: "My intention with GALAR is to bring to light the personal stories behind the headlines. The defective block crisis is not just a news item, it is a daily reality for many families, filled with frustration, fear, and uncertainty.
“Through Michael's eyes, we experience the weight of these struggles and the small victories that come with unwavering determination. The film does not offer easy solutions or neatly tied-up endings because life rarely does. My aim is to evoke empathy and understanding, urging the audience to reflect on their own experiences with hardship and the importance of standing together in difficult times.”
The defective block crisis has affected over 7,000 homes in Donegal. It revolves around the discovery of structural defects in concrete blocks used in construction. These defects, attributed to certain minerals in the blocks, have led to significant deterioration and damage over time.
Many families have seen their homes, often their largest investment, become structurally unsound. The financial and emotional toll has been significant, with many homeowners facing the prospect of losing their homes or undertaking costly repairs.
GALAR premiered nationally at Boyne Valley International Film Festival in Drogheda, Saturday, August 9.
A private screening was held at Buncrana Cinema in June for the cast and crew directly involved in the production.
More than 200 extras took part in one protest scene filmed in Lifford, many of whom were personally affected by the DCB crisis.
As the film begins its run on the festival circuit, both in Ireland and abroad, Niall is hoping to release more news and have more public showings down the line in parishes across Donegal.
A full-length feature version of the film is also in production with the backing of Screen Ireland.
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