Mould in Homes Causes Health Concerns in Sallynoggin

A Home Fit for Living? Crisis deepens in sallynoggin Housing Estate

The residents of a Sallynoggin housing estate are battling more than just persistent damp and mould; they’re fighting for basic human dignity and a safe, healthy home. For years,families have endured harrowing living conditions,raising serious concerns about their well-being and prompting calls for immediate action from Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council.

Kate Byrne, a mother struggling with the effects of living in these inadequate conditions, has seen her children’s health suffer. “Last year I got a letter from the Board of Education saying heS missed too much school,” she shared, her voice heavy with worry. “The same with my daughter. I’ve shown them photos, I’ve shown them everything that’s been going on in the house and that this is why they’re sick. I don’t know what else I can do.”

The severity of the situation prompted the Health Service Executive (HSE) to intervene. A multi-disciplinary team contacted the council last year, expressing grave concerns about the living conditions and the potential health risks posed to residents. The HSE letter stated, “…we would again like to highlight the potential health risks to this family and the need for a transfer.”

The harrowing reality of these homes was further brought to light when Georgina Maples, a mother of a young baby, witnessed her child suffer from severe bronchiolitis, despite minimal exposure to the outside world. “But then at eight days old, she developed bronchiolitis and she was taken out here ​by ambulance and she spent eight days in Crumlin with this,” she said, her voice laced with disbelief. “I mean, she was brand new, never went out, she only had her grandparents come to visit her and was no massive contact with anybody. So how did she get it?”

Kian Beatty and his partner have endured seven challenging years in one of these properties, their mental health considerably impacted by the constant struggle against damp, mould, and pervasive anti-social behavior. “It’s probably been one of the most challenging experiences of our lives, trying to live here and it’s really tough,” Kian shared. “There’s very little support from the council. With these conditions, they’re technically supposed to be looking after us, but there isn’t the support there.”

While Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council acknowledges the crisis, their response has left residents feeling frustrated and disregarded. the council states that it is progressing a redevelopment plan for the properties,currently in its early stages,and claims to be engaging with individual tenants,offering transfers where necessary. Though, the slow pace of change and lack of immediate action to alleviate the suffering of these families has deepened their despair.

Richard Boyd Barrett, People Before Profit TD, underscores the urgency of the situation: “The HSE wrote a damning letter about the conditions that the children and families are living in.All of the tenants have put in letters from doctors, from other medical health professionals saying these conditions are wholly unacceptable, nobody shoudl have to live in them, and the Council needs to get them into proper accommodation as a matter of absolute urgency.”

The residents are left facing an uncertain future, trapped in a cycle of damp, mould, and mounting anxiety. They desperately need more than empty promises; they need tangible action and a swift resolution to this unacceptable living situation. The question remains: will the council finally prioritize the well-being of these vulnerable families,or will they continue to turn a blind eye to their plight?

The Plight of Sallynoggin: A Housing Crisis in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown

The once-thriving community of Sallynoggin finds itself struggling with a stark housing crisis,leaving residents trapped in deplorable living conditions. Mould infestations, leaking roofs, and peeling paint plague numerous properties, compromising the health and wellbeing of families According to Cllr.Ailis Murphy,a representative for Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council,the situation is “dire.”

“Families are living in conditions that are detrimental to their health and wellbeing. We’re talking about mould-covered walls, peeling paint, and leaking roofs – issues that have faced minimal attention from the council,” Murphy states, highlighting the urgent need for intervention.

adding to the distress,residents contend with a rise in anti-social behaviour,hindering their ability to live normal lives. This compounding crisis demands immediate and extensive solutions.

The situation isn’t new; some residents, notably those in Older People’s Housing, have been waiting for crucial repairs for years. “The delays are unacceptable,” Murphy stresses, emphasizing the council’s responsibility to provide urgent support to these vulnerable individuals.

While Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown boasts one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country, Murphy argues that this statistic doesn’t equate to affordability for everyone. “We have a housing crisis in this country, and Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown is no exception,” she explains.

Salaries, while possibly increasing, haven’t kept pace with the escalating costs of rent and housing, leaving essential workers like those in healthcare and education struggling to secure adequate accommodation.

With a multi-pronged approach, Murphy believes a solution can be found. This includes prioritizing mixed-income, mixed-tenure developments to foster balanced and enduring communities.

“Investing more in social and affordable housing is crucial to alleviating the pressure on existing properties,” she emphasizes. This comprehensive strategy involves engaging with residents, allocating dedicated funding for repairs, and addressing the root causes of the housing crisis.

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The Fight for Affordable Housing: A Local Outlook

The issue of affordable housing remains a pressing concern in many communities, with Dún laoghaire-Rathdown being no exception. Local Councillor Murphy recently shared their thoughts on the matter, emphasizing the need for proactive measures to address this growing challenge.

Councillor Murphy strongly advocates for a renewed focus on maintenance and repairs within existing housing stock. They stress the importance of government investment in affordable housing developers and exploration of innovative solutions like modular housing and co-living arrangements.

“Rathdown County Council must prioritize maintenance and repairs,” the Councillor stated. “The government needs to invest more in affordable housing developers and explore alternatives like modular housing and co-living. And we, as elected representatives, must advocate for our constituents and hold the council accountable.”

The Councillor concludes with a hopeful note, expressing their desire to see tangible change in the near future. “Let’s hope we see real action and change in the near future,” they remarked.

As the conversation around affordable housing continues, it remains crucial that local leaders champion the needs of their constituents and work collaboratively to find sustainable solutions.

What concrete steps should Dún Laoghaire Rathdown county Council take to alleviate the suffering of families living in unfit conditions in Sallynoggin?

Archyde: Interview with Dr. Aoife Jennings, Housing Rights Expert

Archyde’s News Editor, Sean Murphy, sits down with Dr. Aoife Jennings, a leading housing rights expert and advocate, to discuss the deepening housing crisis in Sallynoggin and the urgent need for action.

Sean Murphy (SM): Dr. Jennings, thank you for joining us today. Let’s dive right in. The situation in Sallynoggin is dire, with families living in conditions unfit for human habitation. What are your thoughts on the current state of affairs?

Dr.Aoife Jennings (AJ): Thank you, sean. The conditions in Sallynoggin are indeed deplorable and constitute a clear violation of residents’ housing rights.We’re talking about serious health and safety hazards – damp, mould, and structural issues that are not only affecting people’s physical health but also their mental well-being and quality of life.

SM: Kate Byrne,a mother living in one of these properties,has seen her children’s health deteriorate due to the living conditions.The health Service Executive (HSE) even intervened, noting the potential health risks. How crucial is immediate action in cases like these?

AJ: Immediate action is paramount. exposures to damp and mould can lead to a range of health issues, notably in children and vulnerable adults – from respiratory problems to skin irritation and allergies. The HSE’s intervention underscores the urgency of the situation. These families deserve safe, healthy homes, and they shouldn’t have to wait for improvements.

SM: Georgina Maples’ baby developed bronchiolitis at just eight days old, raising questions about the role of the home’s conditions. How do such environments impact young children?

AJ: Young children are particularly vulnerable to the effects of inadequate housing. Their immune systems are still developing, making them more susceptible to illness. bronchiolitis, as seen in baby Maples’ case, is a severe lower respiratory tract infection that can be life-threatening. Poor housing conditions can exacerbate these risks, especially when combined with other factors such as overcrowding or indoor air pollution.

SM: Kian Beatty and his partner have been enduring these conditions for seven years, with their mental health taking a important toll. How do these living conditions affect mental well-being?

AJ: Chronic exposure to poor housing conditions can have detrimental effects on mental health. The stress, anxiety, and frustration that arise from living in such environments can take a significant toll. Moreover, the social stigma and isolation that can result from living in substandard housing can exacerbate mental health issues.

SM: Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council acknowledges the crisis but has been slow to act. What steps should they be taking immediately to alleviate the suffering of these families?

AJ: The council needs to prioritize urgent temporary rehousing for families most at risk, while also accelerating their redevelopment plans. They must ensure that they are engaging proactively with tenants, providing regular updates, and offering practical support. Additionally, they should be working closely with health authorities to monitor the health of residents and provide necessary medical interventions.

SM: Richard Boyd Barrett, People Before Profit TD, has been pushing for urgent action. What role should politicians play in addressing this crisis?

AJ: Politicians have a crucial role to play in holding the council accountable and advocating for residents’ rights. They should be putting pressure on the council to expedite repairs and rehousing,ensuring that adequate resources are allocated to address the crisis. Moreover, they should be working to raise awareness of the housing rights issues at stake and pressing for stronger housing rights legislation.

SM: Dr. Jennings, thank you for your insights. How can readers support the residents of Sallynoggin?

AJ: Readers can support the residents by raising awareness of their plight, calling on the council and politicians to take immediate action, and even donating to local charities working with the affected families. Every voice raised and action taken brings us one step closer to achieving safe, healthy homes for all.