A family refuse to leave their home in Galway despite warnings that their house is subsiding.
For the past 25 years, retired diver Joe Ryan and his family have lived at St Anthony's, 10 Costello Road, Shantalla in Galway city. This property, along with those at numbers 9, 11 and 12 Costello Road, are Galway Corporation properties displaying signs of subsidence.
To understand the severity of the problem, it is necessary to dig down to examine the foundations. The engineering consultants for Galway Corporation have advised that it would be unwise to carry out these tests with occupants in the houses.
The three neighbouring families have been rehoused at Corrib Park to allow the tests to be undertaken. One of the tenants, Helen Silke describes the dampness and subsidence she experienced in her house. She is glad to have moved out, as the condition of the house was a constant source of embarrassment.
The Ryan family remain determined to stay put. Joe Ryan says they have invested £1,500 in improving and extending the house over the years. Teresa Ryan is adamant she will not leave her friends and neighbours of 25 years.
I'm very happy and I have everything I want.
Joe Ryan fears that if they move out, his family may never be allowed back to the house. Assistant County Manager Peter Kearns explains that if Galway Corporation must demolish the terrace, it will be rebuilt if possible. These new houses will go back to the original tenant but this verbal promise is not enough for Joe Ryan.
Give me a guarantee that they're going to build houses here and I'll move out for two weeks, four weeks, but they must give it to me in writing.
If Galway Corporation want the Ryans to move out, then Joe Ryan is seeking compensation for the improvements he has made to the house.
The Corporation should come back and give me money for the repairs and the work I put into their houses which they knew was a faulty house but they accepted rent for 25 year and still accepted the rent.
Peter Kearns states the Corporation cannot compensate tenants for improvements made to their properties. Their overall view is that the Ryan family are being unreasonable in refusing to move out, particularly as they are inconveniencing the other families who are anxious to have their houses tested and repaired if possible.
A 'Newsround' report broadcast on 18 January 1976. The reporter is Jim Fahy.
