Taoiseach backing regeneration of dilapidated Cork council flats

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has pledged to support the regeneration of dilapidated social housing flats in Togher after Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald raised the matter in the Dáil.

In May, the Sinn Féin leader had met with tenants in the council flats on the Clashduv Rd. Residents there, in common with tenants in flats of a similar age in places such as Noonan’s Rd, Cherry Tree Rd, and Baker’s Rd, have been complaining for years about crumbling masonry, mould, damp, and regular rodent infestation.

Speaking at Questions to An Taoiseach, Ms McDonald said the buildings were way beyond their lifespans.

“There are really serious issues around damp, cold, and mould in the flats, and there are a lot of respiratory issues among residents,” she said.

Dire need

Ms McDonald added that there was “a dire and urgent need for regeneration” of the flat complexes.

“This is the Taoiseach’s city. People are facing cold, damp, issues with rodents, cracks, and hazardous fencing.

“I believe we need urgent regeneration of these complexes.

“Will the Taoiseach support this and will he ensure the funding is made available to the local authority to carry out that work?” she asked.

Mr Martin responded, saying that Cork City Council had a good record generally on regeneration.

“Particularly in one half of that Togher area, there was very successful early regeneration but, in fairness, it did not cover the Cherry Tree Rd side or the Clashduv Rd flats,” he said.

“I would, of course, support the regeneration of those flats."

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire, Sinn Féin TD for Cork South Central, said the area needed urgent movement on regeneration.

“People are living in conditions that are not acceptable, and it is clear that we can’t have a sticking-plaster solution,” he said.