Roof repairs to Shantallow shops after leak concerns

An inspection of shops in Shantallow sparked by concerns over a leak from a flats complex above will result on all four premises having their roofing replaced, the Housing Executive has confirmed.
By Ciaran Lockhart
Published 7th May 2021, 12:14 BST
Proprietor Ruby Butler inspects the water damage to stock in the storeroom of O’Kane’s Liquor Store in Shantallow. DER2118GS – 006Proprietor Ruby Butler inspects the water damage to stock in the storeroom of O’Kane’s Liquor Store in Shantallow. DER2118GS – 006
Proprietor Ruby Butler inspects the water damage to stock in the storeroom of O’Kane’s Liquor Store in Shantallow. DER2118GS – 006

The inspections came after a local off-license owner criticised the Housing Executive repsonse as she tried to report that a leak has caused flooding and damage to the premises in Shantallow.

Ruby Butler co-owner of O’Kanes off-license on Drumleck Drive, said that water leaking from the roof is badly affecting a back room of the off-license as well as the front of the shop.

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‘‘I contacted the Housing Executive on Monday when the leak first appeared,’’ Ruby said.

Proprietor Ruby Butler inspects the water damage to stock in the storeroom of O’Kane’s Liquor Store in Shantallow. DER2118GS – 005Proprietor Ruby Butler inspects the water damage to stock in the storeroom of O’Kane’s Liquor Store in Shantallow. DER2118GS – 005
Proprietor Ruby Butler inspects the water damage to stock in the storeroom of O’Kane’s Liquor Store in Shantallow. DER2118GS – 005

‘‘But I was told that no one was available to help as it was a bank holiday. I then called the Housing Executive back on four separate occasions on Tuesday and kept getting cut off.

“Someone eventually did ring me back who I spoke to about the problem, but no has got back to me since and no one has come out.’’

Ruby told the ‘Journal’ of her frustrations regarding the incident and was annoyed at the ‘lack of help offered’ to deal with the problem.

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She believes the leak may have occurred as a result of power-washing carried out on the exterior of the flats above the off-license, combined with recent heavy rain showers. Ruby was also concerned of the possibility, that the flooding water might make contact with electrical outlets or wiring.

Proprietor Ruby Butler pictured in O’Kane’s Liquor Store in Shantallow. DER2118GS – 008Proprietor Ruby Butler pictured in O’Kane’s Liquor Store in Shantallow. DER2118GS – 008
Proprietor Ruby Butler pictured in O’Kane’s Liquor Store in Shantallow. DER2118GS – 008

After being contacted by the Journal on Wednesday, aspokesperson for the Housing Executive said they have now inspected the flats.

The spokesperson said: “A leaking roof at a commercial property in Drumleck Drive was reported to our Emergency Services on Monday, May 3.

“Upon inspection, the roof covering all four commercial properties needs to be replaced.

“ We’ve carried out an emergency repair to the roof, and yesterday (Wednesday, May 5) requested the contractor to re-asphalt the whole roof as quickly as possible.”