Douglas sheltered housing in need of repair 

CONCERNS have been raised about the upkeep of an area dedicated to housing for the elderly.

Social Democrats councillor Joe Harris asked for the upkeep of sheltered housing units at Galways Lane in Douglas to be given priority.

Mr Harris said he visited the area recently with an engineer who took a detailed evaluation and he said there was a huge amount of work that needed to be done, including issues with dampness and security lights that had gone out.

“Some of the most vulnerable people are living in Galways Lane," he said. "Elderly and ill, they cannot afford to have dampness and stuff like that with roofs leaking. 

"Some of the units need a lot of work.”

Cork County Council assured Mr Harris the repairs were included in the works programme for 2019.

Fine Gael Councillor Deirdre Forde said she had been assured that the local authority was aware of the work needed and was anxious to get them refurbished.

“We need to keep our finger on this one, we can’t afford to let this slide,” Mrs Forde said.