COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

South Dublin County Council Crest

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, November 14, 2016

MOTION NO.4

MOTION: Councillor C. King

That this Council calls on the Chief Executive to explore using European Funding provided through the ESF & RDF to provide for the roll out of smart ventilation systems in Council homes to tackle the growing problem of mould growth in homes which seems to have developed with the upgrading of heating and insulation systems over recent years. This growth of mould spores is having a negative impact on tenant's health and disproportionately on children's health in these homes. 

REPORT:

Mould growth in homes is directly related to condensation. Condensation is caused both by physical issues relating to the design and fabric of the house and by tenant usage patterns. Where condensation and mould issues are more prevalent detailed studies are carried out by Council technical staff to identify the source of the problems and remedial measures taken where physical / fabric issues are the cause.

The Council’s largest upgrade programme is the DECLG insulation programme. This work is based on wall and attic insulation and includes wall ventilation in all phases to date. From this year onwards this programme will also include fan ventilation to bathrooms and kitchens. Over 600 houses per annum are improved on this basis and all Council stock will be upgraded over time. Linking the ventilation to the insulation upgrade is the optimum way to address these problems as a large rolling programme. Dissemination of information on use-patterns likely to exacerbate condensation can be added to this work-stream to help tenants. Combining the ventilation and insulation will reduce the impact of large programmes on the tenants and eliminate the necessity of working in two tranches on each home with consequent disturbance to the families involved.

Problematic examples of mould growth when encountered should be reported by the tenant for inspection, review and as appropriate remediation by Housing Maintenance staff.