COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, November 14, 2011

MOTION NO. 11

MOTION: Councillor M. Corr

That the Manager outlines by way of a report the extent of the damage to homes within the West Tallaght area as a result of the unprecedented rainfall on the 24th October 2011 - that he outlines the Council's and other agencies response to the event and to indicate the cost of the event and how the Council will recoup these unexpected expenses into the future.

REPORT:

Up to 95 Social/ former social houses were identified as damaged due to the severe weather conditions of the 24th October.  These are made up of 81 Council units, 7 tenant purchases, 2 RAS and 5 leased units.  Inspections by the Housing Maintenance staff began early on Tuesday 25th October. Senior Housing Officials and the Mayor visited the affected areas on the Tuesday afternoon in order to assess the damage and to identify any vulnerable families that required emergency accommodation.  Most families declined the offer but two families were identified on medical grounds as requiring alternative accommodation, one initially went to  hotel accommodation and then to social housing units. 

A team of inspectors visited each house from Wednesday 26th and to date all families have been visited and contact cards were left in some cases with no response todate.  The Inspection team checked to see if anybody required to be provided with alternative accomodation and also gave out leaflets entitled "Health Advice for Flooded Homes".  This basically explaines how to clean up your home in a safe manner after flood damage.

There was a small amount of damage in the Lealand Drive in Clondalkin but the majority of the damage was caused in Cloonmore Avenue, Bawnlea Crescent, Killinarden Estate, Knockmore Avenue and Park, all in the West Tallaght Area.  There was minor damage in pockets throughout the County also including Woodview Cottages . Crews of staff from the both depots assisted tenants in cleaning out their houses by removing damaged furniture and taking up floor coverings.  The Council carried out a removal service of debris and damaged goods for all residents during this period.  

The heating and electrical contractors were also in the areas checking and repairs the electrics and central heating. 70 dehumidifiers were given out to tenants to assist them in drying out their houses.  The re-instatement works will include hacking off plaster approx. 1 meter high and replastering, removal of all floor coverings, skirtings and architrave and replacement, removal of kitchen units and full replacement where necessary.  Removal of doors and doorframes and replacement and full redecoration of downstair including hall, stairs and landing and the cleaning of the front and rear gardens.

The estimated cost of this work will be in the region of €1.8 million and most of it will be recouped through insurance.  

Other services engaged in work in these areas during the aftermath of the flooding were the Roads Department and the Water and Drainage Section.  The Road Sweepers were in the areas and also the drains and gullies were blasted.