Local Sinn Féin Councillor for Lucan, Palmerstown and North Clondalkin Derren Ó Brádaigh, has welcomed the recent update by South Dublin County Council, that will progress ‘essential works’ identified from a roofing repairs survey carried out on homes in Balgaddy.
Cllr Ó Brádaigh said “Early in 2021 there was a commitment given by the Housing Maintenance Section of South Dublin County Council to commence a significant survey undertaking to produce and inform a definitive understanding of the task and cost to implementing essential roofing repairs across Balgaddy. Residents of homes on Foxdene Avenue along with a significant number of homes in Meile an Rí, Tor an Rí and Buirg an Rí have had to endure the ill-effects of shoddy roof construction, with resulting dampness and mould in many instances related directly and indirectly to leaking roofs for far too long”.
The councillor was commenting following a recent question put to the local area committee “To date, the inspections have identified several areas for attention and projects are being advanced, with tender specifications being finalised to allow for tender to commence in 2023. Repairs to flat roofs will include roof insulation to address issues around water ingress and poor insulation. Some works have been completed on Foxdene Avenue. A further 14 homes have now been identified for necessary works in Tor an Rí, with survey works continuing elsewhere in Méile an Rí and Buirg an Rí.
Whilst a lot of good effort and focus is on Balgaddy and all works are to be welcome, these works together with much more general remedial upgrades are long overdue. The nature of the roofing works and the materials being used are subject to seasonal constraints. The tender process is taking this into account to allow projects to commence in March or April of 2023. Back in April 2021, I had a motion agreed pressing upon the council for this investigative roofing survey and I welcome the positive development that now builds upon the council’s commitment to fully see these essential project works through, providing residents with the basic secure shelter and peace of mind they deserve.”
