Clare County Council is being accused of failing in its duty of care to the residents of a housing estate in Shannon.
Issues relating to dampness and mould growth in Cúl na Gréine have reached breaking point, with those living in the area are now demanding the local authority rectifies the problem once and for all.
Built in 2005 and located across the road from St Caimin’s Community School, Cúl na Gréine is a 107-unit housing development consisting of both social and privately-owned homes.
While residents of the estate broadly claim to enjoy the benefits of living in a tight-knit community, their quality of life is said to have been impacted in recent years by serious structural issues in their houses.
For roughly half a decade, dampness has blighted a high proportion of the units in the development, resulting in mould growth and in some cases, large cracks which are visible on the outside walls.
In addition to preventing residents from being able to paint or maintain their homes, the problem is also reportedly having a negative effect on the health and safety of those living in the affected dwellings.
Sue Egan, who lives with COPD, believes her breathing difficulties are being compounded by the presence of mould in her bedroom.
Following recent calls from residents for the problem to be addressed, Shannon Fine Gael Councillor Tony Mulcahy has asked the Shannon Municipal District to put a programme in place to repair any houses in Cúl na Gréine that have suffered damage due to moisture build-up.
In response, the Shannon Municipal District has asked that the relevant property numbers be provided to Clare County Council’s Housing Department.
Following this, it’s claimed the matter will be investigated and the outcome of the investigations will be made known.
Councillor Mulcahy insists the problem should never have been allowed to get to the stage it has.
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