Maintenance model in Leitrim Council questioned
Manorhamilton Independent councillor Felim Gurn expressed his surprise upon discovering that the Council does not employ a full-time electrician or plumber.
Independent councillor Felim Gurn expressed his shock to the Manorhamilton municipal district upon learning that Leitrim County Council doesn’t employ its own full-time electrician or plumber, despite the level of social housing in the county.
He described the level of maintenance in social housing as a ‘huge problem.’ “I think it should be done because of the waiting time of trying to secure an electrician or plumber,” Cllr Gurn said.
A response explained that electrical and plumbing sub-contractors are engaged to undertake works for the Council in response to general repair and maintenance of tenanted properties and to carry out works to vacant properties that are being prepared for re-letting.
The reply further stated that the Council is satisfied with the response times of the sub-contractors.
“There is not a sufficient supply of ongoing work to justify the recruitment of a full-time plumber or electrician,” the reply continued.
Vincent Dwyer, Director of Services Water, Environment, Climate Action and Emergency Services, advised councillors to inform him of any specific instances that do not align with the response.
Cllr Eddie Mitchell asked if the reply could be reviewed, to which he was informed that the matter could be raised with the Strategic Policy Committees (SPC).
Councillors of Manorhamilton MD agreed to contact the SPC to seek clarification on response times, clarification on the system in place and present cases of individuals who have experienced long wait times.