asked the Minister for Local Government the total number of (a) houses and (b) flats or apartments which are classified as substandard dwellings in Dublin city.
11.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Substandard Dwellings.
10.
asked the Minister for Local Government if Dublin Corporation have any plan for rehousing tenants of substandard accommodation at Hollyfield Buildings, Rathmines and at Mount Pleasant Buildings, Ranelagh; and, if so, if he will make a statement giving details.
I propose, with your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 10 and 11 together.
I understand from Dublin Corporation that (a) 40 of their houses and (b) 1,068 of their flats are regarded by them as being below present-day standards in accommodation and amenities; that about 3,100 other corporation dwellings are lacking in some particular amenities such as baths; that they keep their housing stock under constant review; that they accept the necessity to replace, as soon as practicable, any dwellings which may be regarded as substandard; that while they are not yet in a position to consider any general replacement of such dwellings, they are already in the process of demolishing dwellings in Keogh Square and are preparing plans for its redevelopment; they hope to accelerate the process of de-tenanting substandard dwellings in the next few years having regard to the substantial increase in the number of new dwellings becoming available; and that applications by tenants at Hollyfield Buildings, Rathmines and Mount Pleasant Buildings, Ranelagh for transfers are given the same consideration as similar applications by any other corporation tenants.
Would the Minister consider asking Dublin Corporation to give priority to the residents of Hollyfield Buildings and Mount Pleasant Buildings in view of the fact that they are living in dumps, in hovels?
The proper thing to do is to consider each case on its merits.
This deserves priority.
Those who deserve priority get it.
The people of Mount Pleasant resent the description of their homes by the Deputy.
Is that a question?
It is what is called hypocrisy.
They resent that.
They are trying to get out of them.
Not because they are hovels.