Residents of the Oliver Bond House block of flats in Dublin 8 are twice as likely to have respiratory illnesses such as asthma than their neighbours.
That's according to a new study from Trinity College into one of the oldest and largest complexes in Dublin City.
An analysis of respiratory health in a local GP practice, that caters to residents of the flats and people living in the adjacent area, found that "even adjusting for whether a patient had a medical card or not Oliver Bond House residents were still 1.9 times as likely to have evidence for asthma in their medical records as other patients in the same practice".
A previous study found 82 per cent of residents reported issues with mould and damp, 74% have drafts or poor insulation and can’t keep their homes warm, while over 30% have water coming into their flat.
"There is evidence from published literature that poor housing conditions can contribute to poor respiratory health, and that interventions can reduce this effect. Taken together this offers additional arguments for work to improve the condition of Oliver Bond House," the report said.
There are plans to regenerate the complex, that was built in the 1930s, but it's thought it could be up to 20 years before the project is completed.
Gayle Cullen, Chairperson of the Oliver Bond Residents’ Group, says they can't wait that long; "We know that regeneration can’t happen overnight but we just can’t be asked to wait another 20 years for it to be completed while an entire generation will are forced to live in dire, unsafe conditions that have a negative impact on their health.
Many older residents will pass away in these conditions."
Main image: Oliver Bond House Google Street View
