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Inquest hears Dublin woman died of hypothermia

Rachel Peavoy - 30-year-old died of hypothermia
Rachel Peavoy - 30-year-old died of hypothermia

An inquest into the death of a 30-year-old Ballymun woman who died of hypothermia has heard evidence of repeated complaints about the lack of heating in her flat complex.

Lawyers for Dublin City Council said evidence will be heard from officials at a later date.

The flats at Shangan Road are now empty as part of the area's regeneration.

Rachel Peavoy, a mother of two young boys, was among a small number of tenants left in the complex last January during the cold spell.

The inquest heard the local council did not turn on the central heating for the winter last September, as was usual, and there was evidence that Ms Peavoy complained repeatedly to the council.

Linda McLoughlin said she lived in the same complex and had to buy electric heaters, which led to a bill of €1,300. She also complained to the council.

Ms McLoughlin said the flat's central heating had been switched off, although there was still hot water.

Ms Peavoy's sister Leontia said when called to her sister's flat after her death, her glasses fogged up with the heat. She claimed the city council had only then returned the heating.

Counsel for Dublin City Council John Kehoe said a statement from the local housing manager would be ready within two weeks.

He also said a garda would be called about evidence that had come to light about Ms Peavoy's flat.

The inquest will resume next month.