The Finucanes originally shifted out of their Pyrmont Street house in early 2023 to a rental in Enmore,the cost of which was covered by Sydney Metro.

Shortly after the large shed was built next door,their 1880s terrace house had become unlivable due to a main wall bending,a floor sinking and parts falling off the walls. Bolts fell into their small backyard on two occasions,sparking a brief stop to work next door.

Sydney Metro covered the cost of about $70,000 in fixes to their home due to the damage caused by the construction work.

Some 22 households in Pyrmont have now been offered “noise respite”,which includes alternative accommodation at a hotel or serviced apartment,during the 24 hour-a-day drilling from Tuesday.

Pyrmont home owner Margaret Kirkwood,who has been in hospital for the past two weeks after breaking her hip,said she and her husband were in their 80s and had no choice but to remain because of their personal circumstances. Her husband has been in and out of hospital for the past three months.

The couple,who have lived in their Pyrmont terrace for nearly 50 years,will have to use noise-cancelling headphones provided by Sydney Metro,and put up with their house shaking when drilling and hammering occurs.

Kirkwood said they felt helpless and feared that the 10 days of around-the-clock drilling would extend to a month or longer.

“I am all for the Metro – I’m not a NIMBY. It is about the fact that they are extending the hours to 24/7. The planes[using Sydney Airport] aren’t allowed to do it,so why is Metro?” she said.

“The whole house vibrates when they do this drilling. It really is quite cruel. I just think they have taken total advantage of our situation.”

While Sydney Metro will cover the cost of temporary accommodation,Finucane said it was an “absolute inconvenience” and not about the money. “We don’t want to go and sit in a hotel in the city. We could probably deal with going to get bags and clothes and that sort of thing,but elderly people[who are neighbours] can’t do that,” he said.

Sydney Metro said temporarily extending the hours for up to 10 days would eliminate up to four weeks of daytime hammering.

“Our contractors John Holland,CPB Contractors[and] Ghella have been working hard to engage with local residents,providing information and the offer of alternative accommodation during the nights of extended hours,” it said.

“Hammering equipment is being used to create a stable floor that will support platforms and tracks in the future Pyrmont station.”

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