A local TD has moved to support Longford County Council following criticism over the living conditions facing two families of Syrian refugees housed in local authority properties in the region.
The families who were resettled to the area as part of the Irish Refugee Resettlement Programme, have highlighted serious issues over a lack of heating and ventilation within the two apartments they have been allocated.
One pregnant resident reportedly spent a night in a car outside the property with the heat on due to fumes and cold in the apartment.
Fianna Fail TD Joe O'Flaherty has given his assurances that Longford County Council is aware of the issues and will address them:
The property is owned by Longford County Council but the Respond Housing Association, who was involved in the resettling, says it has nothing to do with the management of the accommodation.
The families, who both have young children, have been using kerosene heaters over the past number of days during the freezing weather, leading to health concerns over fumes and poor ventilation.
The Department of Children has confirmed to Shannonside Northern Sound that the Irish Refugee Protection Programme is aware of the situation and is currently in contact with Longford County Council.
Ruaíri McKiernan highlighted the issue on Twitter last night after failing to get any response from authorities he engaged with, including Longford County Council.
He says the local authority need to act now to help the family:
