CATU South Wicklow-Wexford has launched a phone and email picket against the corporate landlord Patchflow Ltd (formerly Lava Capital) due to the abysmal living conditions in Hazelwood estate and the uncertain housing future of at least 37 of the 125 households in the community.

Hazelwood estate is a development located in the village of Bridgetown in southern Wexford. The estate sits on regional road R736 and is a 30-minute drive from Wexford town.

Timeline

On Friday 27 February, Patchflow issued eviction notices to at least 36 homes in Hazelwood. Patchflow had issued these notices because they intended to sell the properties.

These notices came just days before the Residential Tenancies Act 2026 came into effect on Sunday 1 March. This strategic timing meant that Hazelwood residents would not benefit from the increased protections against eviction granted by the Act.

In early March, Patchflow withdrew the eviction notices after intense public backlash and the opening of a Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) investigation. Patchflow then announced their intention to meet with residents to “discuss their circumstances”.

In the five months since, Patchflow has abdicated its responsibilities, avoiding clear communication with the residents and failing to maintain the homes to a habitable standard. The RTB, meanwhile, has “withdrawn from the case entirely”.

Hazelwood residents do not know if their housing is secure, and many are registered as at risk of homelessness. Several remain at risk of harm due to an array of unaddressed health and safety hazards, including black mould, rat infestations, broken toilets, unserviced boilers, leaks and roof gaps.

Path forward

On Tuesday 4 August, CATU South Wicklow-Wexford publicly announced a set of three demands: clear written withdrawal of all evictions and a future plan for each tenancy; full repairs as required by law; and formal negotiations between Patchflow and the Hazelwood CATU Committee.

CATU has also formally put Wexford County Council on notice, asking them to use their enforcement powers under the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 2019 to compel the inspection and repair of affected Hazelwood properties.

The Housing Act 1988 also imposes a duty on local councils to manage and prevent homelessness.

In order to ensure the safety of all Hazelwood residents, CATU has asked all members and supporters to participate in a phone and email picket.

Members and supporters are asked to prioritise phone calls to Patchflow affiliate Dermot Corkery (+353 87 779 3694) and the landline numbers 053 912 7267 and 053 912 7272.

A script, relevant emails and further details can be found in this Google Doc.

The Community Action Tenants Union (CATU) remains open to new members. Join at this link.