Report into Mount Suir balcony fall in Waterford highlights issues with failed screws and brackets
Jayden and Nevaeh O'Neill (centre), who fell from a second-storey balcony, with their father Ryan O'Neill, mother Regina Smith, and siblings Jaxson (far left) and Alliyah (far right). Photo courtesy of Regina Smith
A report commissioned by Waterford City and County Council into an incident in which two children fell through the balcony of a Council-owned apartment complex has highlighted issues with the balcony’s screws and brackets.
On the morning of Friday, March 20, Jayden (3) and Neveah O’Neill (7) were playing on the balcony of their apartment in Block C of Mount Suir Manor, before one of the balcony’s window panes fell through.
Jayden O’Neill suffered a brain bleed from the fall, while Nevah O’Neill suffered minor injuries.
Waterford City and County Council have been in ownership of the apartment block since 2020. The complex was originally developed by construction company William Neville & Sons.
A presentation given to Waterford City councillors in May found that “existing 3.5mm screw fasteners are not considered suitable for the applicable load case and lack adequate anti-corrosion properties suitable for external use,” in the O’Neill’s apartment.
The fasteners could not have been determined from previous inspections, which were purely visual.
The presensation said the clamping system used to lock the fasteners in place may lack "sufficient redundancy."
An analysis of 15 of the block’s 18 apartments showed “evidence of corrosion within the primary steelwork” on balconies.
Images attached to the presentation showed evidence of failed screws and brackets on Block C's balconies.
The inspection was carried out by engineering consultant Frank Fox and Associates on behalf of the Council.
Three options were proposed for the future of the balconies at Block C, ranging in invasiveness for residents.
- All brackets and screws could be removed and retrofitted with appropriate replacements. The Council said a contractor is currently pricing the procedure.
- The removal of the balconies’ glass and replacement with new steel railings and balustrades (the vertical supports used for balconies).
- Shut down all balconies with immediate effect, and commence a complete rebuild.
The report presented to councillors is understood to be the first phase of an extensive investigation into the living conditions at Block C, which have long been criticised by residents.
The Council are understood to have taken on a vacant unit inside the property, which they will “stress test” in search of underlying issues. The use of the unit is hoped to help with identifying the root causes of mould and condensation.
According to a source with knowledge of the situation, that stress test could involve the demolition of internal walls and ceilings.
An immediate shutdown of the building and relocation of the block’s tenants was also discussed.
In 2025, the Council received 25 complaints from the residents of Block C, primarily focused on chronic issues with mould, leaking and condensation.
A 2023 report commissioned by the Council and carried out by Doyle Morris Group had described the block as generally “being in good condition.” Issues with dampness and mould were noted in the report, as well as corrosion to the nails of an apartment’s skirting board.
“The level and nature of complaints from individual apartments is similar to that pertaining to the Council’s overall housing stock,” the report said.
“The issues raised at Mount Suir have also highlighted that there is significant further education required in relation to tenant responsibilities in relation to ventilation, heating and energy use in apartments to avoid potential mould issues arising.”
