Residents at the new housing development near Hollystown, Wilkinsons Brook, in Dublin 15 began reaching out to Sinn Féin TD Paul Donnelly within months of moving in, citing water entering homes through kitchens and windows.
“The concerns came up very quickly after people moved in,” Donnelly said, noting that the leaks could cause serious mould issues if not addressed properly.
Of the 69 homes in the estate built by Glenveagh Homes, 57 were sold under the state’s affordable-purchase scheme through the Land Development Agency (LDA) and Fingal County Council.
Prices for the properties started at €320,000 for two-bedroom units, €352,000 for three-bedroom units, and €399,500 for four-bedroom homes, according to the LDA.
Several families have temporarily moved out while repairs are being carried out, Donnelly and Solidarity Councillor John Burtchaell confirmed, though the exact number remains unclear.
The 12 social homes in the development are currently unoccupied, a Fingal County Council spokesperson added.
A Glenveagh Homes spokesperson said the company is fully addressing the water ingress issues at no cost to residents, while providing temporary accommodation where necessary.
“The company conducted a quality review and has begun a process to fix water ingress issues,” the spokesperson said.
Donnelly expressed concern over why the issues had not been detected earlier, questioning the adequacy of quality control measures.
“The last thing people expect in a brand-new home is to have such extensive repairs required so soon,” he said.
He said he had repeatedly requested documentation from Fingal County Council regarding quality checks but had received no response.
“There has to be proper architectural oversight, drawings, and surveys. How was this missed?” Donnelly asked.
The problems were first reported in May 2024 when applications opened for the affordable-purchase homes, with market values ranging from €420,000 to €499,500 at the time.
Marketing materials from Glenveagh, the LDA, and Fingal County Council highlighted the homes as “built to a standard you can trust.”
Donnelly stressed the importance of independent verification to ensure residents are not left vulnerable to further issues.
Burtchaell also criticised the private sector, claiming it prioritises profit over quality, resulting in repeated shortcomings in affordable housing projects.
Remedial Work Underway
Fingal County Council’s chief executive, AnnMarie Farrelly, confirmed at a council meeting on 10 November that all 69 homes will undergo inspections and repairs.
Work has already begun, with households offered temporary relocation nearby, Farrelly said, adding that remediation includes a verification process by an architectural firm.
Glenveagh Homes has not disclosed the root cause of the water issues but said they are committed to addressing the problems comprehensively.
Farrelly noted that the homes were built using a new design approach, which the council had not previously seen in North Dublin, aimed at delivering “own-door units” while achieving appropriate densities.
“These issues are not what the council likes to see, but the identification and remediation are underway,” she said.
The 12 social homes remain unallocated, with Fingal County Council and the LDA actively coordinating timelines for completion of the necessary works.
Donnelly reiterated that residents require clarity about the nature and extent of the issues, as well as independent oversight.
“If you’re spending close to €400,000 or more on a home, you would expect quality control to catch these defects before completion,” he said.
Concerns Over Quality Control
At the same council meeting, Sinn Féin Councillor Breda Hanaphy raised a series of questions about the handling of the development, including whether the council or LDA had architectural inspections or snag lists prior to the sale.
She also asked if a report from Glenveagh on the issues had been shared with council management or residents, and whether a broader structural review had been initiated.
Donnelly added that residents are particularly concerned about the lack of independent assessment of the properties.
“People need transparency on what the council knows and what has been done to verify the integrity of these homes,” he said.
Previous issues with Glenveagh developments were also highlighted, including delays and quality concerns at Oscar Traynor Road in Coolock, where work paused in January 2025 on more than 850 homes.
Dublin City Council’s technical due diligence team monitored compliance with building standards during that project, flagging issues such as non-load bearing brickwork and plasterboard damage.
By late February, work resumed in parts of the Coolock site, after addressing flagged concerns.
Hanaphy said the situation at Wilkinsons Brook raises serious questions about accountability and consistent enforcement of quality standards.
“The council and LDA must ensure that these issues are not repeated in new developments,” she said.
Donnelly concluded that residents deserve assurance that any defects are thoroughly assessed and independently verified.
“Clarity and accountability are critical so that homeowners can feel confident in the safety and quality of their investment,” he said.
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