COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

South Dublin County Council Crest

MEETING OF CLONDALKIN AREA COMMITTEE

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

MOTION NO. 17

MOTION: Councillor E. Ó Broin

Cathaoirleach's Business:

That this Commitee agrees that in light of the persistent problems of damp in Balgaddy the Council requests the HSE Environmental Health Officer to conduct inspections at the following addresses and present the findings to the next available area committee for discussion. This Committee also agrees that the current council policy of blaming the damp on 'lifestyle issues' is wrong and must be reviewed.

32 Foxdene Avenue

40 Foxdene Avenue

56 Foxdene Avenue

62 Foxdene Avenue

7 Meile an Ri Crescent

13 Meile an Ri View

27 Meile an Ri View

31 Meile an Ri Drive

47 Meile an Ri Drive

23 Buirg an Ri Walk

32 Tor an Ri Court

34 Tor an Ri Court

31 Tor an Ri Walk

REPORT:

Balgaddy was constructed in 3 phases. Originally when constructed some of the phases did have defects in a number of windows and doors as well as some roofs.  There was also a limited issue with fire separation in a small number of units.    Defects in newly constructed houses is a normal occurrence and expected.  For this reason there is a 12 month defect liability period in all contracts during which final payments for the contract is withheld.)

However, following a number of complaints in relation to leaks in the apartments the Council carried out a full survey of the entire development and also used 2 other surveys that were carried out in the area by the Partnership Company and a Voluntary Housing Body.  As a result of these surveys a small dedicated unit along with a Clerk of Works was allocated to remedy each and every identified fault as well as responding to every request for maintenance.

At this stage each and all identified defect has been remedied and the cost of this work has been carried by the originaly contractor. 

Following this work the number of maintenance requests in the Balgaddy area dropped below the average for an area of that size and remains below to this day.

In recent times a number of complaints have again been recieved in relation to dampness and mould in specific apartments.  It is proposed to discuss with both the County Architect and Principal Environmental Helath officer for the area with a view to re-examining these apartments.  Following this re-examination any remedial works will be attended to and a report will be brought to this committee.