When tenants choose to abuse the roof over their heads

Homes are hard to come by these day and local authorities are under pressure to keep people off the streets. However, a small minority fail to appreciate the accommodation that has been provided — usually at a fraction of the normal going rates — Pat Duggan, housing manager with Cork City Council, tells Catherine Shanahan

Amid the rubbish and filth and army of rancid milk cartons, a little bunch of fake flowers stands out. In a house reminiscent of a warzone, it’s the only nod to civilised living.