Dilapidated Social Housing in Cork: Residents Face Dangerous Conditions
Residents of social housing flats in Cork, Ireland, are facing increasingly dangerous living conditions, with reports of crumbling masonry, persistent damp and mould, and rodent infestations. The issues are particularly acute at the Clashduv Road flats, which share a similar design and age with the Noonan’s Road flats, currently slated for demolition.
Near-Fatal Incident Highlights Urgent Demand for Repairs
Colm Olden, a 54-year-old tenant of the Clashduv Road flats, recently experienced a frightening incident when a piece of windowsill, weighing over 1kg, fell two stories and struck him on the shoulder while he was using an outdoor tap. Mr. Olden stated that had the masonry struck his head, it likely would have been fatal. Source
Widespread Issues in O’Byrne Flats
The Clashduv Road and Noonan’s Road flats are part of a series of three-story maisonettes built across Cork city in the 1960s by city architect Eamon O’Byrne. A survey conducted last December by The Echo, with a 59% response rate, revealed widespread problems among these flats. Source The survey found that:
- 85% of respondents reported issues with black mould.
- 85% of respondents struggled to heat their homes adequately.
- 65% of respondents experienced persistent rodent problems.
Tenant Struggles and Council Response
Mr. Olden, who has lived in the Clashduv Road flats for over 18 years, reports ongoing issues with dampness and mould, requiring frequent kitchen unit replacements and costing approximately €70 per week to heat his home. He also describes encountering rats, including one on his bed, and uses industrial rat traps. Source
While Cork City Council provides novel bedding and linen following water damage incidents, Mr. Olden believes the flats are “years past their sell-by date” and advocates for their demolition and tenant relocation. Source
Cork City Council stated that the age of the Clashduv Road flats means maintenance issues are to be expected, and that they continue to invest in housing maintenance and improvement programs, addressing urgent repairs as they arise. Source
Additional Information on the Area
Clashduv Road is located in the Togher residential community, close to Clashduv Park and a 10-minute drive from Cork city centre. Source The area is near St. Finbarr’s Cemetery, offering a unique and peaceful environment. Source