Mother and kids living in garden shed, waiting for social housing

FOR THE past two years, Aileen Heary has been living in a shed in her grandparents’ garden with her two young sons, waiting to secure accommodation from Carlow County Council.

She moved into the shed after separating from the children’s father, couch surfing with friends and family, and being treated for addiction. She said staying in emergency accommodation in the town was “not an option” as she was “not willing to risk her recovery” by being around drug users.

The shed was hastily dry lined before they moved in. It has a toilet, but no kitchen or central heating. They use an electric heater and all sleep in one bed to stay warm. Aileen cooks in her grandparents’ kitchen and then eats it with the kids in the shed.

She told The Nationalist that the desperate housing situation is interfering with her relationship with her grandparents and having a “devastating impact” on her sons, Oran (4) and Fionn (2), who have chronic asthma.

“There’s mould in the shed. We’re the whole time cleaning, and the boys are always sick,” explained Aileen’s mother Louise.

Aileen said her clothes and shoes have been destroyed by the mould on the walls.

Louise said it's very hard on her elderly parents to have the young family staying with them. “They’re not able for the kids. They’ve done their best,” said Louise.

Oran is also waiting for an ADHD assessment and will be starting primary school next year. They don’t know where they will be living, which makes it difficult to apply to schools.

“I’m at my wit’s end”, said Aileen.

Aileen received a letter from the council four weeks ago saying she would be considered for a two-bedroom house in her preferred area when it became available. She also felt that she had a strong case and a very good chance of being housed after speaking to minister of state Jennifer Murnane O’Connor’s office, who could make representations to the council on her behalf.

She pinned her hopes on moving into one of the 18 social houses in Graiguecullen, where her wider family is based. “I was thinking I was going to have a fresh start after Christmas,” said Aileen.

However, the houses were allocated last week and she did not receive an offer. The family were devastated. While there are more houses in Carlow town coming on stream, the next housing allocations could be at least six months away.

Minister of state Murnane O’Connor said her office has been in contact with Aileen over the past while, and she herself met Aileen this week. She said: “We need to help her get a house now. For me, she’s a priority. We’ll continue to work with her and do as many representations as we can to the council for her.” 

When she is finally housed and the boys are at school, Aileen plans to go back to college and study addiction to help others.

“I’m not asking for a brand-new house,” said Aileen, “I just want to shut my door and know we’re safe and warm.”