“A death sentence”: Leitrim councillor slams housing conditions in Mohill and Carrick-on-Shannon

Leitrim County Council has been criticised for “avoiding housing problems,” according to Councillor Des Guckian during a municipal meeting of Carrick-on-Shannon.

The Independent councillor asked housing officials to explain why tenants with serious long problems and related breathing problems are made to remain in bad conditions in a number of houses in Mohill and Carrick-on-Shannon.

“I feel that Council housing is trying to hide from all of the problems. I have referred to two very definite locations where good tenants are expected to remain without protest in conditions that are already very damaging to their physical and mental health. 

“That shows that our council officials are bad landlords and do not observe their duty of care for all tenants,” Cllr Guckian said.

“The Council collects rents, and so they have a legal duty to ensure each house is as comfortable and as safe as possible.”

Des Guckian discussed the case of a couple in Mohill who are living in a mould-infested house, a situation previously reported by the Leitrim Observer.

“The dampness is getting into the immersion switch and is getting enclothed in the furniture. It is being ingested with serious results. Being kept in these conditions is nothing short of a death sentence.”

‘Our health is at risk’: Leitrim expectant couple battles severe mould in Council home

Gary and his fiancée, Deborah, have been struggling with health issues caused by severe mould in their home in Mohill.

A visit from DampMaster moisture control services to the Mohill house confirmed there are problems inbuilt within the walls of the house contributing to the mould.

Cllr Guckian also alleged that contractors won’t work for Leitrim County Council, claiming they don’t get paid on time.

He called for the immediate finding of a two-bed house for the couple.

“We will have to form a civil rights campaign to help vulnerable people of all sorts, get what should be their rights,” Cllr Guckian concluded.

The motion was supported in part by Cllr McGowan and Cllr Reynolds.

A reply from the Housing department stated: "It is not appropriate for Leitrim County Council to comment on individual tenancies or their circumstances. In general, where a housing maintenance issue exists, such as mould, in a Local Authority property, Leitrim County Council inspect and assess the nature and cause of the problem.

“In a very limited number of cases specialist works are required. Where such works are required, the Council have to comply with their obligations under procurement rules to engage a Contractor and this may take some time. 

“Liaison with the tenants occurs on an ongoing basis to keep them informed of the proposed resolution and the estimated time-frame for completion."

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