Roscrea family appeal over halting site living conditions

A family living in the Parkmore Halting Site in Roscrea are appealing for assistance with problems related to living conditions on the site.

Mould, vermin and unsanitary plumbing are causing major distress for the young family, who reached out to the Midland Tribune to highlight their situation.

In May 2021 the young couple and their five-year old son received accommodation in a used temporary chalet mobile home.
“When it came to us there were holes in nearly every wall and there was no flooring - our roof was leaking and when it rained it would pour through”, the young mother of the family explained.

The family were without heating or access to hot water for four months.

“I was using other people's cookers and ovens trying to make my family food - still nothing was done about the cooker for Christmas and I couldn’t even make my family a Christmas dinner. I think it was February or March when someone came out to fix it”, she explained.

“Since we went into it my son has constantly been sick with chest infections, sinus problems and a sore throat”the young mother said - “it is full of green mould and black mildew and water is still leaking from the roof.

“Water gets trapped in our lights in our toilet, which is very dangerous if water went through the electrics”, she said.
The fuse box for the property, located in a bedroom wardrobe, caught fire during the year and the family are concerned for their safety.

Pictured above is a light fitting which fills with rainwater 

“I can’t let our son sleep in his own room - I have to keep him in our room with myself and my partner. I have sent in photos to the Council of the black mildew, the green mould and the burst pipes - nothing has been done” she said.

A recent infestation of rats was a cause of major distress and attempts to eradicate the vermin from the site have proven unsuccessful. The young mother felt it was best to dispose of bedding which may have been touched by the vermin and which was beginning to show signs of mould caused by damp conditions.

The sound of rats running through the walls and faulty plumbing leaking foul smelling liquid are causing constant distress for them, she explained.

Pictured above is the foul smelling liquid which pours through the boundary wall of the halting site

“I've asked would they put us into emergency accommodation or a B&B for the time being, as it was a health and safety matter for us and our son”, she has pleaded with Council officials over the last year.

“I have put in for a transfer out of the Parkmore Halting Site, but my transfer hasn’t been approved yet.

“All we want is to actually have a home that we could call home for myself and my family”, she told the Tribune.