Fire safety and hygiene failings found at Youghal community home

A timber smoking shed with a plastic bin into which ashtrays were emptied and a failure to deep clean following a vomiting outbreak were among the significant shortcomings identified in a series of inspections by the health watchdog.

Youghal Community Houses, home to 18 ageing and disabled residents, was among those singled out by the Health Information and Quality Authority (Hiqa) as posing substantial fire safety risks to residents.

In addition to the unsuitable smoking shed, there was no fire extinguisher in the vicinity of the bedrooms, all bedrooms doors which were designated fire doors were wedged open, and no staff members were trained to lead fire drills with residents.