Sinn Féin spokesperson on Housing Dessie Ellis TD has called on the Department of Environment and Longford County Council to work closely to investigate serious health and safety concerns on the Gleann Riada estate in Longford.

He made his comments following a visit to the estate where he met residents and their families who believe an evacuation is necessary.

Deputy Ellis said: "I have been working with local party members for the last few months on trying to ascertain the extent of the problems in Gleann Riada and bring them to the attention of the government which at present does not seem to be taking any serious interest.

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"The estate was signed off on and built with a substandard sewerage system which is causing sewer gas leaks and two explosions on the estate this year, one just a week ago and another in March. Obviously the residents are very worried and with one block of apartments being demolished due to safety issues already this year they want to know what is going to be done.

"The state has a responsibility to ensure these residents are safe in their homes and if Gleann Riada is not safe then they need to give these people somewhere safe while work is carried out.

"The Minister must come to Gleann Riada to meet these families and the Council."