Independent Councillor Terry O’Flaherty has welcomed the works which have commenced on the Walter Macken Flats in Mervue.
The exterior of the 6 three storey blocks has deteriorated considerably and are in dire need of cleaning and painting, she said.
“I have been highlighting the condition of the flats for a considerable number of years, and I do not want to see them return to the unsightly condition before a major improvements and refurbishment works was carried out in 2002, which was due to my representations.
“Unfortunately, when the works were carried out, the steel panels on the outside of the buildings were galvanised and due to this they are now filled with rust which looks very unsightly. They will now either have to be treated are replaced with new ones,” she added.
Cllr O’Flaherty said that in the past two years, a lot of money which she secured in the budget was spent treating the façade of the external walls of the flats complex.
“Regretfully this treatment has not worked. The cladding was supposed to be maintenance free but obviously this is not the case.
“I received confirmation from one of the housing engineers last week that power washing will take place this week and following this, painting will commence during the summer months,” she said, adding that she would like to thank all involved, particularly the City Council housing staff and those who supported her in calling for the refurbishment.
“I look forward to seeing the completion of the works which will be welcomed by the residents in Walter Macken, Place, Mervue,” concluded Cllr O’Flaherty.
