Cork mayor 'encouraged' after meeting over mould and vermin-prone flats

The Lord Mayor of Cork, councillor Fergal Dennehy, has said he is “encouraged” following a meeting with council officials to discuss social housing flats where residents say their health has been affected by poor living conditions.

The flats, at Clashduv Rd, Togher Rd, Sycamore Place, Cherry Tree Rd, Sycamore Place, and Maple Place, are the same age and design as the dilapidated Noonan’s Rd flats which the council intends to demolish this year.

The three-storey maisonette style flats were introduced in the 1960s by the then-city architect Eamon O’Byrne and were built by Cork Corporation to have a 50-year lifespan. They now are, according to tenants, prone to cold, damp, black mould, and vermin.

Last December, The Echo surveyed Cork City Council tenants living in the 160 O’Byrne flats across the city, receiving responses from 59% of tenants.

Persistent issues with rats and mice were cited by 65% of respondents, with 85% having trouble heating their home, with 44% of respondents and 85% saying black mould was a recurring issue.

Health problems caused or exacerbated by living conditions were cited by 72% of respondents.

Mr Dennehy, a Fianna Fáil councillor for the south west ward, said the meeting of the local area committee (LAC) with council officials last week was “marked by a renewed sense of priority and urgency”.

“These challenges that we have with flat complexes on Togher Road, Clashduv Road, Cherrytree Road and other areas are not new,” Mr Dennehy said.

“There is now a clear recognition of the increasing number and seriousness of issues impacting these complexes, from structural concerns to environmental and maintenance challenges.” 

He added that it was “evident that many of these flat complexes, not only in Togher but across the city, have exceeded their intended lifespan.

“They now require decisive action, either through significant refurbishment and upgrading or, where necessary, full demolition and redevelopment.” 

Mr Dennehy said councillors had been assured that surveys of the flats would be carried out and tenders issued for works “within a very short timeline”.

Sinn Féin councillor Joe Lynch said he wanted to see a regeneration plan put in place quickly. 

"It is very important that residents are kept fully informed of what’s underway, and I welcome the council’s commitment to communicate directly with them in the weeks ahead,” he said.