‘Where would an OAP get the money to service a boiler?’ — Wexford housing tenants required to maintain heating systems despite councillor’s protests
Wexford PeopleAn old-age pensioner living in a council house in Enniscorthy will have to pay €250 to have their boiler serviced despite the protestations of independent councillor Jackser Owens.
Although he was repeatedly informed that Wexford County Council’s (WCC) tenant’s handbook states that residents are responsible for the maintenance of their heating system, Cllr Owens argued that, in this instance, some leeway was required.
“They have an air-to-water system and have been told if the boiler needs to be replaced they have to pay for it,” he said at the September meeting of the Enniscorthy Municipal District (EMD). “As the landlord, the council should be paying for this.”
Housing officer Roseanne Redmond disputed this claim.
“It’s always been the tenant’s responsibility to service their heat source as per the tenant’s handbook,” she said. “However, if a tenant is experiencing problems with their heating system, they should log a call with the maintenance department.”
“Where would an OAP get the money to service a boiler?” asked Cllr Owens.
“It has always been the tenant’s responsibility,” replied Ms Redmond.
“Yes, but this is a new thing, air-to-water was only brought in a couple of years ago,” said Cllr Owens. “The handbook doesn’t reflect reality.”
After Cllr Aidan Browne asked just how much the tenant was likely to pay to have their boiler serviced, Cathaoirleach Pat Kehoe offered an explanation on how to maintain these systems.
“It’s €250 for a service on the air-to-water boilers, and they need an annual service for the first five years to keep the warranty,” he said.