'˜Neglect has let the damp issue fester'

It is understood the issue, at the property in the Devenish Drive area of Monkstown, was reported to the NIHE in September 2016.

The resident, who is an owner occupier of flat in the building, contacted the Times to claim that the ‘persistent damp’ has had a negative impact on family life.

The homeowner, who wished to remain anonymous said that there is damp in two of the three bedrooms in her ground floor flat.

She contendds that the damp has been caused by defects with the structure of the property.

Speaking to the Times, she explained: “I live in the flat with my four children- two of whom are registered disabled.

“This damp has ruined clothes, including a £600 dance dress my daughter has which is now mouldy. I have had flooring ruined, my bed is damp and my last mattress went mouldy .”

The woman, who has lived at the same address since 2001, also claimed: “There has been minimal maintenance done on the structure and this neglect has let the issue fester.”

Although the woman owns her flat, the building, which comprises six flats in total, is owned and maintained by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive. The woman pays a service charge of £10 per month.

Commenting on the issue, a Housing Executive spokesperson said: “The Housing Executive can confirm that issues with damp have been reported by an owner occupier at these flats in September last year, following which we undertook a damp survey and in January of this year further inspections were carried out.

“As a result, a feasibility study will now be conducted to determine, more fully, the extent of the problems.”

The NIHE spokesperson added: “We are continuing to work with the owner occupier to resolve any ongoing issues and we apologise for any inconvenience.”