Councillor Brian Heading is supporting Mount Eagles ratepayers Association and Action Group in their campaign to improve on the sub-standard cavity insulation in their homes.

Concerns have been raised due to a study including Bangor, Rathfriland and Mount Eagles that significant problems have occurred due to the cavity wall insulation in what are in some cases relatively new build homes. Whilst insulation has been designed to improve heating levels and cut energy bills in your home. Residents have been complaining of cold homes, condensation on the walls and damp and mould growth. A solution has now been identified which needs ministerial support. An innovative technique whereby the defective insulation is removed by vacuum and refilled with the latest grey bead has been successfully tested.

Mr Heading said: "The poor quality installation and defective material has also led to residents receiving considerable higher energy bills than UK average domestic bill, as the insulation is ineffective and leads to cold spots throughout the home. Damp housing encourages the growth of mould and house dust mites. This can increase the risk of respiratory illness and can have implications for those suffering with asthma. Residents have reported that there has been a higher incidence of chesty coughs and other respiratory complaints.

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"There is a need for quick action by statutory authorities to address this situation. At present there is a grey area whereby residents who have a defective insulation infill in their cavity wall have no means of remedy. The Cavity Installers Guarantee scheme (CIGA) do not cover new build cavity wall installations, NHBC do not cover insulation after two years and Energy efficiency schemes such as The Warm Homes schemes do not allow for remedial works to cavity wall installations that have been done incorrectly.

"An urgent meeting has been requested by SDLP Social Development Spokesperson Mark H Durkan and for residents to put their concerns directly to Minister of Social Development and Minister of Finance. As they have responsibility for Housing and Building Control. I will continue to support the Mount Eagles Ratepayers Association and Action Group and this meeting will put their issues on the political agenda. As this problem will not just affect the residents within the studied areas, as there could be approximately twenty thousand homes across the north that may have issues with their insulation in the future. Executive Ministers and local authorities must act now to protect the homes and health of residents."

(CD/H)