Kildare woman says four-year heating ordeal has left her at breaking point

A RESIDENT of Clonmullion Retirement Village in Athy said she has been left at breaking point after years of trying to secure repairs to her home, claiming that persistent heating problems and other maintenance issues have affected her health, finances and independence.

Yvonne Blanchfield (51), who is participating in clinical trial for a rare form of epilepsy, has lived in the village for almost 20 years, and said she has been without heating in her home since November 2025, leaving her relying on costly plug-in heaters.

Yvonne said there have been persistent problems since an air-to-water heating system was installed approximately four years ago under the management of housing body Tuath Housing.

Despite repeated calls, emails and visits from a succession of contractors, Yvonne claims the problems remain unresolved, leaving her to rely on plug-in heaters, electric blankets and help from her elderly parents to get through the colder months.

“I really think that it does need to be highlighted,” she said about the situation.

Yvonne said she has continued to pay her rent yet feels she has been left to repeatedly pursue the people responsible for maintaining her home.

“If I didn't pay, they’d be down on my door straight away,” she said.

Since the heating system was installed, Yvonne said it has never consistently worked as it should.

She describes repeated visits from different contractors and explained that the number of companies involved has made it increasingly difficult to establish who is responsible for resolving the problems.

She claims she has been contacting the housing provider almost daily to get the issues addressed but feels her concerns have not been taken seriously.

The consequences have been particularly difficult during winter, when the lack of adequate heating leaves her struggling to stay warm.

Yvonne relies on four plug-in heaters at her home, as well as electric blankets and additional bedding. She has also described having to wear fleece clothing in her bedroom to keep warm.

“I have four plug-in radiators here,” she said. “I have an over blanket here in the sitting room. And it's just a nightmare.” She said the situation has also affected her sleep, which is particularly concerning given her existing medical condition.

Yvonne has a rare form of epilepsy associated with glucose deficiency syndrome and follows a medically prescribed ketogenic diet. She says stress and sleep deprivation can trigger seizures, which can have serious consequences.

“It was due to lack of sleep,” she said, describing a recent seizure during a period when she had been studying for an examination while relying on a plug-in heater.

She said she had to remain conscious of the heater overheating, making it difficult to rest properly.

Yvonne also says she was hospitalised with pneumonia two years ago, during a period when she was experiencing difficulties with the heating in her home.

The impact has extended beyond the colder months. She explained that her elderly parents, who are her carers, regularly collect bags of washing from the house to dry elsewhere because of the damp conditions.

Her father, Fergal, who has Parkinson's disease, but who helps care for his daughter, says the situation has placed a considerable strain and distress on the family.

“It's been horrible,” he said.

He described the ongoing difficulties as a source of financial pressure, with the family paying for additional heating costs and dealing with other problems around the property.

For Yvonne, the situation has undermined the independence she expected to enjoy in her own home.

“I'm meant to be in independent living,” she said. “And I don't like depending on them (her parents).” She said her family has offered to help financially and has encouraged her to stay with them during winter, but she feels it is unfair that they should have to shoulder the burden.

The heating system is not the only issue Yvonne said she has faced.

She and her father describe recurring problems with the property's drainage and toilets, including occasions when sewage has come back up through the shower.

Yvonne said repeated flooding and drainage difficulties have damaged household belongings, forcing her to dispose of furniture, bedding and other items.

She claims the family has spent money on drain-cleaning products and other supplies while her father has attempted to investigate blockages himself.

Yvonne says the problems have been ongoing for years and that previous reports have not resulted in a lasting solution.

She also claims that electrical work may be required throughout the house, adding to the range of maintenance concerns she says remain outstanding.

Alongside the physical and financial difficulties, Yvonne said the handling of the complaints has left her feeling that her account of events has been questioned.

Yvonne said she has repeatedly asked for better communication and for those responsible to meet with her and her family to discuss the problems directly.

She also said she has contacted a local public representative about the situation and that her father has continued to raise the matter on her behalf.

However, she claims she has received little meaningful follow-up.

The woman, who described the situation as a “nightmare”, has said that she feels the company has made her out to be a liar.

“If you want to talk to me, just ask me something. And if you don't agree with it, you don't agree with it. But I'm not a liar,” she said.

After almost two decades in the village, Yvonne says she has always taken pride in her home, painting it regularly and investing in its furnishings.

She now fears that the problems she describes have taken away much of the comfort and security she worked to create for herself.

Her father said the family feels at a loss as to how to secure a resolution, despite years of trying to have the issues addressed.

Yvonne's position is that this cannot continue indefinitely, particularly when the consequences extend beyond inconvenience to her health, finances and ability to live independently.

“It's a joke now and I'm at breaking point,” she said.

Tuath Housing was contacted for comment on the situation. The housing body confirmed that it is aware of the concerns raised and is working to resolve matters at the address.

A Tuath spokesperson said: “Our staff have been in regular contact with the resident, providing ongoing updates. Specialist contractors have attended the property with further works currently being progressed.

“We are also investigating drainage concerns, working with contractors and the development's owner management company to get a resolution.” The spokesperson concluded: “Our priority is to continue to communicate with the resident and to ensure that the outstanding matters are resolved as quickly as possible.”