Residents of Tullybrook Court in Drogheda are facing crippling electricity bills — some exceeding €1,100 this winter — due to what they describe as a flawed and inefficient smart electrical heating system in their duplex apartments.
Despite more than a year of complaints to Clúid Housing, the approved housing body managing the development, the issue has persisted, leaving families under intense financial strain. Some residents have received bills of €800–€900 in winter months, and even €400 during the summer, despite minimal heating use.
Ciara Byrne described the impact on her family:
“With the cost of living gone crazy, being expected to pay €800 to €900 and rising for our heating is inhumane and wrong. We’ve been ignored for over a year by Clúid Management. I’m afraid to turn my heating on, especially since I’m still paying last winter’s bills. This whole scenario has taken the joy out of having our forever home.”
Michelle Gavin said that residents have repeatedly contacted Clúid with no progress or response:
“We have continuously brought this to the attention of Clúid Housing with no solutions or discussion to rectify our heating issues. On each occasion, we’ve been told they’re unaware of the problem and will look into it — but nothing happens. Our bills are extortionate. It’s now a matter of urgency that Clúid finds a solution before the cold winter months set in.”
Mother-of-three Jeanine Pentony said the system is simply not sustainable:
“This system is not sustainable in heating our three-bedroom duplex. Winter is coming again, and the issue has yet to be resolved by Clúid. As a mother with three children, I’m faced with a lot of worry and financial stress for the months ahead.”
Cllr Declan Power, who represents the Drogheda Rural Electoral Area, has met with residents to highlight the issue at the October Borough Council meeting. “Residents in Tullybrook Court are now facing crippling heating bills this winter unless a resolution is found. These are brand new developments that should have brand new, sustainable energy systems that heat both water and homes.
“All apartments have an air-to-water system that heats water but not the living spaces. Instead, residents are left with electric space heaters that must be controlled manually in each room — an inefficient and expensive setup. I can’t see why the air-to-water system couldn’t have been extended to heat the homes as well. The system is flawed, heating bills are sky high, and these residents shouldn’t need to decide between heating and hunger.”
Louth County Council’s Senior Housing Official Declan Grimes said that while the council is aware of the issue, the responsibility lies with Clúid Housing. “While we are aware of the situation with the residents, the responsibility is ultimately with Clúid Housing. We will, however, engage and work with them to find solutions for the tenants.”
Cllr Power is calling for urgent action from Clúid, including an independent technical review of the heating system, a clear and time-bound action plan to resolve the issue, and financial support for residents already burdened by excessive costs. “This situation cannot be allowed to drag on any further. Residents deserve safe, affordable, and efficient heating in their homes. I will continue to represent strongly on their behalf until a fair and lasting solution is delivered.”
