A YOUNG couple has been left “utterly devastated” after being forced to leave their home following a “catastrophic” river wall collapse near the property.
The entire back garden wall of the house, in Inchicore Co Dublin, collapsed into the Camac river on Friday night – with fears growing that parts of the home will begin to fall next.
Ellen Blehein and husband Robert Somerville were out on Friday night when they received a call from their neighbour who informed them of the collapse at the property, which they bought in April 2021.
Horror pictures of the home show the banks of the river washed away with a steep drop just inches from the back door of the couples home.
And after being forced to leave their home “because it’s no longer safe”, the pair have called on Dublin City Council and the Office of Public Works to repair the wall “before our home washes away”.
A fundraiser has been set up for Ellen and Rob, who have moved many of their belongings from the back of the home over fears rooms will be washed away, to raise cash for the repair.
Ellen said that the couple had been “holding off” on setting up the fundraiser but were advised to do so, adding: “We understand times are tough for everyone but if anyone wishes to donate we would really appreciate it.”
The couple’s pal Sorcha Crilly, who organised the GoFundMe, explained that, soon after Rob and Ellen moved into their home three years ago, cracks began to appear in the walls of the house and they were advised by an engineer that the house was subsiding.
Sorcha said: “Rob and Ellen immediately began engaging with Dublin City Council on repair works needed to the river wall and the culvert behind their home.”
The west Dublin couple are currently meeting with engineers, speaking to insurers and solicitors and looking to find grants or schemes to repair damage caused to their home.
They are urged the Office of Public Works and Dublin City Council to repair the damage to the river wall and prevent flooding or further damage to the area or neighbouring properties.
Ellen and Robert will have to fork out “an enormous cost” to repair their house themselves as they “urgently need” to prop up the current structure and prevent further damage to their home.
Sorcha explained: “Ellen and Rob do not believe that their insurance company will provide any support
“They are still engaging with the OPW and DCC, who have advised that they will begin repair works in the interest of public safety.
“Rob and Ellen are urging the council to repair the culvert behind Tyrconnell street because it is a huge risk to Inchicore.”
‘URGENT REPAIR’ NEEDED
She added: “Ellen and Rob really appreciate how kind and generous everyone has been with their advice and their good wishes, and they know this is a tough time for everybody, but they are utterly devastated and their house needs to be supported immediately to prevent any more collapse.”
The GoFundMe page, which has so far raised just under €10,000 of its €50,000 goal, has been set up to raise funds for “urgent and immediate” repair to the home in efforts to prevent any further damage.
If the work on the home can be funded by grants the funds will not be drawn down and refunds will be provided.
Sorcha said: “If you could make any donation it would be so appreciated, we really want to help our wonderful friends and get them safely back in their home.”
Dublin City Council confirmed that the rear property wall of the home had collapse and the council is engaged in “ongoing contact” with an engineer working for the homeowners.
A spokesperson said: “Council engineers are assessing this location to establish if works can be carried out to reduce any potential flood risk.
“Any remedial works that may be carried out by the Council in the interest of public safety will be carried in consultation with the relevant property owners and with their consent where appropriate.”
The Irish Sun reached out to the Office of Public Works for a statement but did not immediately receive a reply.
