The families were initially told it will take anything from two to six weeks to refurbish the flats leaving the families with nowhere to go.

19 families, incorporating 60 people, remain homeless three days after the fire due to having no electricity and water issues.

“I was told by a fireman who attended here on Saturday that we are all lucky to be alive," said one resident, after the fire in Marmion Court Flats, Blackhall Street.