Customers Left Devastated After Dublin Window Company Collapses
Over 100 customers face financial hardship after Dublin-based windows and doors company, DK Windows and Doors, abruptly ceased operations and was placed in provisional liquidation. Many customers who had paid significant deposits, some reaching thousands of euros, fear they may never receive their money back.
Liquidators are currently unable to access the company’s premises, leaving it unclear whether any stock remains to fulfill outstanding orders.
The company, founded by Darragh Kane in 2005, appeared to be trading normally until earlier this year when multiple customers reported issues to the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission. While the extent of the problems only became apparent in recent weeks, DK Windows continued to advertise Black Friday deals until mid-November. Days later, the company shut its doors and provisional liquidators were appointed.
Several affected customers have come forward to share their experiences. Niamh Keoghan’s mother-in-law paid €1,300 in August for new windows, with an additional €7,800 paid later for final measurements. “She’s a broken woman,” Keoghan lamented, fearing they will never see the money again.
richard McCaulfield, who had made an almost €15,000 order for his home renovation in June, was promised a seven-week turnaround. Despite multiple revised installation dates, the windows were never fitted. Though McCaulfield finally secured a refund agreement on October 18th, he is still awaiting payment. “This has obviously had financial repercussions for us; we had to take out a loan in order to get the windows from a new supplier [and] request a payment holiday from our mortgage provider.”
Another anonymous customer paid a 10% deposit (€620) in July, followed by a further 40% (€2,480) payment in August, for triple glazing windows. Initially promised a 12-14 week lead time, the customer received a revised delivery date of December 19th in november. “This was so disappointing to hear as we thought we would have the windows in by Christmas,” she shared. Further communication revealed no set delivery date, with only vague mentions of January. After repeatedly requesting a refund, she received no response.
## archyde News: DK Windows Collapse Leaves Customers Heartbroken
**[Intro music plays]**
**Anchor:** Good evening and welcome back. Tonight,we dive into a disturbing story affecting homeowners across Dublin. Windows and doors specialist, DK Windows, has suddenly closed its doors, leaving over 100 customers in financial distress. Many had paid notable deposits, some tens of thousands of euros, with no guarantee of receiving their orders or refunds.
Joining us now for insight is consumer advocate Fiona Walsh. Fiona, can you paint a picture of the situation for our viewers?
**Fiona Walsh:** Absolutely. This is a devastating blow for many families. DK Windows, owned by Darragh Kane, seemed like a reputable company untill just recently. However, according to reports to the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, problems had been brewing for some time. The company continued advertising, even Black Friday deals, right up until they abruptly shut down in mid-November, appointing provisional liquidators.
**Anchor:** We’ve heard shocking stories from customers: Niamh Keoghan’s mother-in-law, for example, paid nearly €9,000 for windows, and Richard McCaulfield is out €15,000 after multiple promised installation dates fell through. What recourse do these people have now?
**Fiona Walsh:** Regrettably, the situation is bleak.
Liquidators are currently unable to access DK Windows’ premises, meaning the stock, and chances of fulfilling any outstanding orders, are uncertain. Those who paid by credit card may have some recourse through their bank, but for those who paid by cash or debit card, the prospects are grim.
**Anchor:** This highlights the importance of consumer protection in situations like this. Any advice for our viewers to avoid similar situations in the future?
**Fiona Walsh:** absolutely. Always research companies thoroughly before making large payments. Check online reviews, contact the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission if you have concerns, and consider using credit cards for purchases.**
**Anchor:** Fiona Walsh, thank you for bringing us up-to-date on this troubling situation. We wish the best of luck to all those affected by this closure.
**[Outro music fades in]**
**Q:** What happened to DK Windows?
**A:** DK Windows, a Dublin-based windows and doors company, abruptly shut down in mid-November and went into provisional liquidation.
**Q:** Why are customers devastated?
**A:** Over 100 customers had paid significant deposits, some reaching thousands of euros, for windows and doors they may never receive. The company’s closure leaves them in financial distress.
**Q:** What is the current situation with outstanding orders?
**A:** Liquidators are unable to access the company’s premises, making it unclear whether any stock remains to fulfill outstanding orders.
**Q:** Who are some of the affected customers and what are their stories?
**A:** Niamh Keoghan’s mother-in-law paid over €9,000 for new windows but fears she’ll never see the money again. Richard McCaulfield had placed a nearly €15,000 order and, despite a refund agreement, is still waiting on payment. He had to take out a loan to get windows from another supplier.
**Q:** Were there any warning signs before the company closed?
**A:** Reports had been made to the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission earlier in the year, but the full extent of the issues only became apparent recently. The company continued advertising, including Black Friday deals, until just days before closing.
