Call for urgent action amid concern over 'unacceptable' damp and drafts in Longford homes

Concerns from residents living in a Longford housing estate over deteriorating window seals and resulting damp conditions have sparked calls for an urgent inspection of the homes.

Leas Cathaoirleach for the Longford Municipal District, Kevin Hussey, tabled a motion at the March meeting calling on the council "to carry out a full inspection of the windows in the houses located in Park Villas estate, Longford, due to reports from residents that the rubber seals around many windows have deteriorated or are completely gone."

He explained that this has "resulted in significant drafts, persistent condensation, and damp conditions which are contributing to mould issues within the homes." 

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Cllr Hussey said the ongoing issue has come to light in recent years, noting that he was invited into three separate houses in the estate where the “windows look like they are fogged” constantly from the trapped dampness.

He added that this is a serious problem affecting a number of households, including elderly residents, who cannot properly heat their homes as warmth escapes through the windows.

Fianna Fáil councillor Martin Monaghan, who seconded the motion, said a “more proactive approach” is needed when dealing with such issues, explaining that “older [council] estates need to be constantly watched.”

He warned that it “will cause more problems if not fixed,” and stressed that the council needs to be “ahead of the game” before complaints are made by residents.

Cllr Seamus Butler also voiced his support, saying, “a stitch in time saves nine,” a sentiment echoed by councillor Niall Gannon and Cathaoirleach for the district, Cllr Uruemu Adejinmi.

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Cllr Adejinmi highlighted that rent reviews were recently sent out to residents in the estate, as they are every 12 months, and stressed that maintenance should be carried out regularly, asking councillors to imagine “having issues with property and you get a rent review” in the mail.

In a written reply, read at the meeting by Director of Services John Brannigan, it was stated: “The Housing Department will undertake an assessment of the windows and doors in the coming months and determine what repairs are necessary.”

Cllr Hussey described this timeline as “unacceptable,” insisting that the Housing Department should carry out these surveys “in the next two weeks.”

He further expressed concern that some residents in the estate have to “wear pj’s because it is freezing,” calling the situation “not acceptable.”

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Councillors unanimously requested that the Housing Department carry out a full inspection within two weeks, and that the matter be placed on the Longford Municipal District agenda for April.