CARBON MONOXIDE detectors have been installed in 46 houses in one development in Donegal over recent days after a family of four were taken to hospital suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning.
The family, who live in the Clúid housing development at Silver Hill, Bundoran, were treated at Sligo General Hospital last Friday after attending their doctor complaining of dizziness and feeling light-headed.
It was confirmed at the hospital that they were suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning. They were discharged later that day.
Mick Concannon, western regional director of the Clúid Housing Association, said yesterday that investigations were being conducted into what caused the poisoning.
The 46-house development, completed in 2004, recently had solid fuel stoves installed and the insulation increased. The homes also have gas cookers.
“We have installed carbon monoxide detectors in all of the houses and are carrying out tests with the solid fuel appliance and gas appliance in the houses as well as looking at the airflow,” Mr Concannon said.
“The diagnosis of carbon monoxide poisoning was confirmed after all members of the family of four complained of dizziness and light-headedness. They sought medical attention and told us what happened on Friday.”
The housing association carries out annual checks on the appliances in the development.
Mr Concannon said the gas cookers in the houses were not on any recall list.
“The heating in the homes was electric and it was not sufficient, so we installed the stoves and improved the insulation,” he added. “We will be looking at the installation of the stoves and have installed the carbon monoxide detectors to give residents peace of mind.”
Separately, before Christmas, three members of the the Wallwork family from Gurteen, Co Sligo, died from suspected carbon monoxide poisoning.
Trevor Wallwork (50), his daughter Kim (12) and his son Harry (9) were found dead at their bungalow on December 18th by Mr Wallwork’s stepdaughter.
Following the deaths of the Wallworks, the mandatory installation of carbon monoxide alarms in all new homes is to be addressed by new building regulations being drafted by the Department of the Environment.