asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware of the unsatisfactory condition of Dublin Corporation flats at Tallaght built by the National Building Agency; and the steps he will take to have repairs put in hand.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Corporation Flats.
14.
I understand that there have been complaints of dampness in a small number of these flats. The flats are still within the contract maintenance period and the National Building Agency have assured me that any defects found will be remedied in accordance with the contract. To date, the agency's investigations have not revealed any source of dampness other than condensation. Certain measures have, however, been suggested to the local tenants' association which will enable the agency to monitor the situation in these flats in the coming months. These measures will include any necessary redecoration of the flats.
Is the Minister aware that there are families with three children living in two-room flats here and they have been told that redecoration will be carried out while the families are living in these flats? Surely the Minister is not satisfied with that. Some families might need re-housing. Will the Minister examine this question?
Surely Deputy Walsh is not suggesting that people who have been re-housed in these flats recently should be given further priority in regard to re-housing before people who are on the waiting list?
There are at least two families with three children each living in one room in some of these flats. The bedrooms are uninhabitable and the entire family have to use the living room for both living and sleeping. It is not possible to carry out redecoration in the flats in these circumstances.
The National Building Agency say that there are not major defects in the flats. They have offered to have necessary repairs carried out immediately and in addition to redecorate the flats if it appears that they need redecoration. I would not like to go further than that with the NBA because these are only recently-occupied flats.
Are they system-built flats?
I do not have that information. Because of the fact that there are condensation complaints I assume they are system-built flats.
Is the Minister aware that many of the system-built flats have these defects? Will he bring them to the attention of the NBA?
I have found that a number of these low-cost buildings have defects. I have stopped any further low-cost buildings of this type being erected.