'I've been living in emergency accommodation for 14 weeks, with no idea when I can go home'

Residents of The Steeples in Navan who were evacuated from their homes following a fire last July have expressed anger and frustration that they cannot return home.

A number of households and individuals remain in emergency homeless accommodation since the fire and say they have no idea when they can return home,

John Murphy who is living in emergency B&B accommodation in Trim said he is very anxious to get home to his apartment.

“I have been 14 weeks in emergency accommodation, but I have no idea when I can go home.

“I am renting from a registered housing body. Before that I was homeless and my apartment, although it isn't perfect was my forever home. I was eight years waiting for my home, and now I have no idea when I will be returning.”

John says that living in a B&B is difficult. “I feel very isolated here and it is affecting my mental health. I have nowhere to cook although I do have a microwave, but it is difficult.

“The council is spending thousands of tax payers money keeping us in emergency accommodation. I've been back to the apartment complex and I cannot see anything being done.

“I've tried to get answers from the management company and the council, and the councillors are also trying to get information, but we have heard nothing.

“Meath County Council's fire service were the people who ordered the closure of the car park and the evacuation, the least they could do is let us know what is happening.

“Having been homeless, it is so disappointing it be back in homeless accommodation,” he said.

Cllr Alan Lawes said it was outrageous that nearly four months after they were evacuated, the residents still have no idea when they can go home.

“It has been far too long and I am very disappointed that neither the management company or Meath County Council is engaging with the residents.

“I have made representation and cannot get an answer as to what is happening or when they can return home.

“I know the problems with the apartments may not be within the council’s control but the council should use whatever authority it has to help these people get back home.

“The residents are getting very frustrated. many of them are in homeless accommodation for nearly four months and they don't know what is happening. They are getting no information from the council or the management company,” he said.

Cllr Eddie Fennessy said the situation at the Steeples had not changed much since the summer. “Several apartments were evacuated for safety reasons. Electrical ducting was damaged during two fires this year and those apartments were without water and electricity for six months in some cases.

“Several households were placed in emergency accommodation on a temporary basis, and three months later, they are still there unfortunately. Emergency accommodation is hard going, and I really feel for those families.

“The last update I received suggested that maintenance works to restore electricity could start over the coming weeks. I am hopeful this comes to pass and the tenants can return to their apartments very soon.”

Up to 12 households in the Steeples Apartments in Navan were left without electricity last July following a fire in the basement car park at the complex and a number of households had to be evacuated.

The Meath Fire Service ordered the closure of the basement car park at the complex, which until then had been used by homeless people leading to complaints by residents of drug taking and anti-social behaviour.

The fire in July was the second fire in the basement this year - there had been a previous fire in March.

Meath County Council and the management company were approached for comment.