Residents from Dolphin House and Oliver Bond tell the story of applying a human rights based approach to sub-standard housing in their local authority estates.
They outline extensive evidence gathered over several years, documenting issues such as cold, damp, mould, sewage invasion, and other conditions that threatens the mental and physical health of residents, including many children.
They successfully campaigned on their right to a home by taking a Collective Complaint to the Council of Europe, who in 2017 decided that Ireland was in violation of Article 16 of the Revised European Social Charter. They outline their struggle since then to have this right vindicated.
Research by the Liberties Community Project (TLCP), and Trinity College Dublin found that asthma prevalence among Oliver Bond residents was 2.4 times higher than in the general practice population, alongside significant issues with damp, mould and ventilation.
Combining academic research and residents’ lived experience with a considerable advocacy programme, the project brought this evidence directly to decision-makers.
The work contributed to the release of €2.1 million in interim funding for ventilation and glazing improvements and helped fast-track the €125 million proposed regeneration of Oliver Bond House, demonstrating the potential of community-led research and sustained advocacy to deliver tangible systemic change.
