asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware of the many complaints regarding the new NBA housing estate at Cahir, County Tipperary; and the action, if any, he intends to take to rectify the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cahir Housing Estate.
39.
I am only too well aware of the volume of complaints about this scheme and other similar schemes provided under my predecessor's "low-cost" housing project. The Deputy can rest assured that I am doing all I can to have the many defects about which complaints have been made in these schemes put right as far as it is possible to do so. The Deputy will appreciate, however, that nothing can be done under the contracts about such features as the small size of the houses, their generally poor appearance, and the absence of fireplaces, boundary walls or rear access ways.
As regards the Cahir scheme, I am informed by the National Building Agency that a final list of all maintenance items requiring attention under the contract was discussed with and accepted by the contractors, who have been instructed to carry out the necessary remedial works immediately.
Is the Minister aware of the large extra cost of central heating when it is carried out by the ESB?
Indeed I am.
Would he consider some other system at this time in view of the fact that many people cannot pay the extra bills?
I am aware of the situation many people have found themselves in as a result of central heating only being put in. I am anxious to do what I can to help but there is not much I can do in many cases.
Have the final accounts been paid in relation to this scheme?
This seems to be a separate question.
I do not think it is the final account. There are numerous remedial works which have to be carried out. The final account will not be paid until all the remedial work that can be done has been done.
Any faults discovered in the buildings must be rectified by the contractors before the final accounts are paid. It is a question of supervision.
Many faults are not caused by the contractor but are because of the design of the houses and because of the type of materials which were used in low cost housing.
Could the Minister give some examples of the type of complaints in regard to materials?
I have a full list for Deputy Molloy in reply to a later question. I have got the list here and I will give it to Deputy Molloy later when I am answering his question. I will give him as much detail as I can but it would require a whole new volume of the Official Report to cover all the defects.
Just give me one example in Cahir.
The Deputy will get the whole lot.
Will the Minister give us one off the top of his head?