'It's not a mansion, it's a wetroom' Laois heart attack survivor waits for shower

A Laois heart attack survivor is waiting nearly a year to have a wetroom installed in his house, according to a local councillor who describes his situation as "a nightmare".

The man is a social housing tenant of the Respond housing agency in the Portlaoise Municipal District.

He requested the agency as his landlord to do the works, most of which can be funded from a disability grant through Laois County Council.

Cllr Caroline Dwane Stanley raised his case, in a motion to the October meeting of the district.

"The man had a heart attack 12 months ago. Nine months ago he applied to have a wetroom installed.

"Every single obstacle that could be put in his way has been. In the beginning it was a nightmare to get a contractor. Then he filled in the form and Respond told him he had to pay 20% of the grant. Given he is only a tenant, the owner is meant to pick up that bill. The CEO of the council told them they're the owner.

"Next they said the contractor had to have €1 million in insurance. This is not a mansion. It's a wetroom.

"Respond refused to sign off on the work. He applied nine months ago. This is totally unheard of. In the past there was never a difficulty.They haven't responded to me. I feel he is being deliberately left so the tenant will go back to the council and say 'you may transfer me'. The wetroom is essential. It's not a luxury," she said.

She is asking Laois County Council to seek an urgent meeting with Respond to find out what the delay is in signing off on works needed for people with disabilities through the council's grant schemes. 

Cllr John Joe Fennelly seconded her motion and said he has issues with the agency's communication too.

"I think there are problems with Respond. They have estates around Portlaoise. We don't know the name of the liaison officer. I'm having problems in Abbeyleix too. I am told they are around only once a month. At least we should have a contact number. This man is waiting nine meonths, it's not right. It wouldn't happen if the council owned the house. We should be building more," he said.

Housing officer Georgina Ireland gave a reply. 

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She said that the council has engaged with Respond regarding sign-offs to permit disability friendly works on Respond properties in county Laois. 

"Respond has advised that currently there is one Respond property in Laois for which they await contractor documentation from the tenant, to allow such works to proceed. LCC has asked Respond to follow up with the tenant in order to advise the documentation required and to support a timely commencement of works," the council official said.

Respond has given the following statement to the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

"The privacy of Respond tenants is paramount so we are not able to comment on the specific details of tenants. We can assure you that Respond take the wellbeing of our tenants very seriously and we are committed to providing timely and adequate support to enhance their quality of life. We regularly work with tenants and local authorities to undertake adaptations including wet room installations across the country every year, with the aim of enabling our tenants to continue living comfortably in their homes.

"We would like to clarify that no tenant is deliberately kept waiting. Tenants can opt to use their own contractor for any building work, but where this happens it is crucial that we have all necessary documentation, including insurance and safety statements. This is not only to ensure the quality of the work but also to protect both the tenant and Respond.

"We are already in the process of re-engaging with the tenant in question in an effort to move this on quickly.

"Additionally, we will be in contact with Laois County Councillors to ensure they have the current contact details of our local staff in the area to facilitate their engagement with Respond in the future," the housing body said.