An Enniskillen mother of premature born twins who had been living in a one bedroomed bungalow has been forced to move to privately rented accommodation due to the inability of the Housing Executive to rehouse her family.
Carmel McGrath had been living with her five-month-old boys Tyler and Callum in a one bedroom bungalow at 16 Loughview Drive, Enniskillen.
BIGGER
Despite several attempts to be re-housed in bigger accommodation since June last year, she claimed the Housing Executive continued to refuse her application.
"It was just myself living here initially," she explains. "Then my partner moved in and I became pregnant with twins who were born premature. I then asked to be rehoused but they (Housing Executive) keep coming up with excuses.
"First they said wait until the twins are born. Then they said I didn't have enough points to climb the waiting list despite the fact that I had a medical letter from the doctor and health visitor, and then I was told there was nothing available. There seems to be so much red tape. A homeless person stands a better chance of getting a three bedroom house over me because they are homeless. They are seen as a bigger priority over baby twins. I can't understand it and this has been going on for nearly a year now."
In response, the Housing Executive has blamed the lack of suitable accommodation available as the reason for Ms McGrath not being re-housed.
"In October 2007 Ms McGrath contacted the Housing Executive requesting a move to a larger house due to her pregnancy. The Housing Executive placed Ms McGrath on the transfer list with immediate effect and the application was later prioritised following the birth of Ms McGrath's twins.
SUITABLE
"The Housing Executive has regrettably been unable to find suitable accommodation for Ms McGrath in her areas of choice due to a low turnover.
"Ms McGrath terminated her current tenancy with effect from 12 May and has moved to privately rented accommodation. The Housing Executive will continue to advise and assist Ms McGrath and to this end will be contacting Ms McGrath to arrange a visit."
