Repair Work to Start After Months of Delay
An 80-year-old woman, Margaret Kyle, who has been unable to return to her home for five months following a car crash, has been informed that repair work will commence on Monday. The incident, which occurred shortly before Christmas, rendered her house unsafe to inhabit.
Her son, Thomas Kyle, has persistently sought updates from the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) regarding the repairs. He was repeatedly told that work could not begin until a gas box was removed.
NIHE Responds Following Media Attention
After Thomas highlighted the issue on a BBC radio program, the NIHE issued a statement expressing regret over the delay and confirming that work would soon begin at the property.
Thomas first spoke about the situation on The Nolan Show on Thursday, explaining how the problem had persisted for months. He shared that the NIHE had told him the matter was "out of their hands."
Despite his mother having suffered a stroke a few years ago, Thomas emphasized that she remained independent. However, he has observed a decline in her health the longer she remains away from her home in Cullybackey, County Antrim.
If you had an 80-year-old mother you'd be doing everything in your power to get her back into her own home,
he said during the radio interview.
Responsibility for Gas Box Removal Clarified
The NIHE had previously stated that repair work could not proceed until a gas box, under the responsibility of Firmus Energy, was removed.
On Friday, Firmus Energy announced that the NIHE had now approved their earlier request to authorize the necessary works.
Following this authorisation, we have immediately contacted the network operator to request that works are carried out as a matter of urgency,Firmus said in a statement.
NIHE Confirms Permissions and Communication with Family
In an updated statement on Friday, a NIHE spokesperson said:
All necessary permissions are now in place between our contractor and the utility supplier to begin work at this property.
A senior member of our staff has spoken to the family of our tenant to make them aware and we will keep in contact with them on progress on completing the work.
We regret the delay in this case.
The spokesperson also confirmed that no rent will be charged for the period Margaret has been unable to live in the property.
Work Underway and Family Relief
Thomas stated on Friday that the removal of the gas box is now in progress, and he understands that repairs to the house will begin on Monday.
I never thought this day would happen, I thought mum would never get back into her own house again,he said.
You've only got one mother in this life and my mother would do anything for me. I just have to do my bit for her.
