Thieves steal smoke alarms from vacant social housing site
By Maurice Garvey
SMOKE alarms were among the items stolen from vacant properties at the new housing development in Cherry Orchard.
The new Co-Operative Ireland social development of 72 homes in Cherry Orchard, was one of a number of sites to suffer as a result of the financial difficulties by contractor MDY Construction.
The housing development in Cherry Orchard
Last month, builders moved quickly to take their tools off the job at the Orchard Meadows development – amid fears they will not be paid what is owed to them.
The Echo understands 36 properties are signed off, but it is unclear when tenants will be allowed to move into the remaining units.
According to a Dublin City Council area managers report for September, there was some damage to the site and items including smoke alarms were removed from the properties.
DCC say it is not yet clear when MDY will return to the site, or when the remaining 36 units will be ready to let.
The local authority concedes this will have an effect on the city council waiting lists for the area.
Up to 24 tenants have moved into the development over the last few weeks, and a further 12 are due to move in by the end of the month.
New residents spoke to The Echo last week, say their homes were not affected by any thefts or damage.
One resident said: “Everything is wonderful. We were one of the first to move in, but when we saw the builders moving their tools out, we didn’t know what was going on.
“I have two kids and was on the housing list for nine years. We were due to move in April, but are just delighted to finally have a place. The houses are really nice.”
A spokesperson for Co-Op Housing Ireland said: “Since Co-operative Housing Ireland took measures to secure the Orchard Meadows site, no items have been removed. We have access to all of the units.
“Thus far, our members have moved into 24 units, with another 12 to be allocated by the end of the month. We are working to ensure the remainder of the units are allocated as soon as possible.”
