Houses in the Lissore estate in Fermoy are to have comprehensive remedial works done. It follows ongoing complaints of problems with dampness. Among the works to be done is the upgrading of attic insulation by an additional 150mm layer of quilt fibre insulation, the upgrading of cavity insulation by pumping 50mm of cellular bead type to completely fill cavities, as well as the supply and installation of new multi-fuel stoves.

New electronic extractors will also be installed and all windows and doors will be serviced. Issues with water pooling outside two of the houses in the local authority estate will also be addressed as part of the works.

This week local councillors, Noel McCarthy and Tadhg O’Donovan, welcomed the updated report they received on the planned works from the town clerk. “We initiatied this as we felt there was a need for the works,” Cllr. O’Donovan said, adding “We got little support initially.”

An initial investigation by the town council resulted in a report which stated that the damp problems were down to poor ventilation practices. After pressing the matter however, a list of proposed works was put forward by the council. Funding for the works is being spread over two years of their household repairs budget, however a loan was raised to allow all of the works to be done this year.

Councillor Noel McCarthy said that, all going well, the works will be completed within the next few months. Contract documents are currently being prepared. “We see it as a massive victory for the residents as these houses were only recently built,” Cllr. O’Donovan said.