Challenges Faced by Residents of Hillview Estate in Wicklow
Residents of Hillview Estate in Wicklow town have been vocal about the deteriorating conditions of their homes, calling on Wicklow County Council to take urgent action. The estate, which officially opened in 2006—two years behind schedule—has struggled with persistent issues since its inception. These include damp, mould, leaks, and a severe rodent infestation, all of which have significantly impacted the quality of life for those living there.
During a recent visit by RTÉ’s Prime Time, presenter Katie-Marie Murnane spoke with several residents who shared their experiences. The programme highlighted the alarming state of the estate, with visible signs of damage such as water seeping through internal walls and rats scurrying around the premises.
Martina, one of the long-term residents, has lived on the estate for nearly two decades. She described how the problems have worsened over time, forcing her to constantly clean and repaint her home due to the spread of black mould. Martina also mentioned that the presence of mould has had a direct impact on her family’s health. Two of her children suffer from asthma, and the household includes individuals with neuro-divergent traits, including autism and ADHD. Her daughter, who is 24, requires full-time care and is currently facing kidney failure.
“I’m terrified of rats, but I’ve become less afraid of them over time,” Martina said. “It’s just the reality of living here.”
She expressed frustration with the council, claiming they have neglected the residents of Hillview. “We started with a vibrant community, but repairs haven’t been done, and the estate has been completely ignored,” she added.
Bridgy, another resident, showed Prime Time a significant leak in her ceiling that has caused extensive water and structural damage. She also explained that she must place a bucket beneath her sink to catch water leaking from holes chewed through the plumbing by rats. “Every morning, I wake up to this mess. It’s not good at all. You should be getting up to a perfect home, but instead, you’re walking on water,” she said.
Tom, another resident, shared his own struggles. He revealed that €3,500 worth of furniture was damaged due to mould in his property. “Your mental health is affected by this. You go for a shower, and the damp and mould come through. It’s not good for anyone. The question you have to ask yourself is: Is it even liveable? If not, then what’s the plan to fix it or move people out?”
Wicklow TD Jennifer Whitmore addressed the concerns raised by residents. She noted that reports of defects in the properties date back to 2008 and highlighted the issue of 19 to 20 vacant properties on the estate, some of which are partially boarded up. She also pointed out that entranceways are often filled with dumped waste material.
“There’s an immediate need to deal with the homes that are particularly badly affected. No one should be living in these conditions. There are major health and safety issues, and a structural engineer needs to assess the homes to determine their condition. Alternative accommodation must be found for those in the worst-off properties,” Whitmore said.
In response to the concerns, Wicklow County Council issued a statement acknowledging the ongoing issues at Hillview Estate. They confirmed that maintenance work is currently underway on some properties and that plans are being developed for regeneration. The council added that the regeneration project will depend on the availability of funding.
As the situation continues to unfold, residents remain hopeful that meaningful action will be taken to improve their living conditions. For now, they are left to cope with the daily challenges of life in an estate that has clearly fallen into disrepair.
