asked the Minister for the Environment if he is aware of the steady deterioration of living standards for families in Dublin suburban housing areas built since 1930 or thereabouts as a consequence of the conversion with or without planning permission by absentee landlords of semi-detached three and four bedroomed dwellings ideally suited for occupation as single family dwellings; having regard to the immense additional costs imposed on families and on public services as a consequence of the forced movement of families to other areas, if he will take urgent action to stop this trend; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. - Dublin Families Living Standards.
10.
I am not aware of such deterioration. The conversion of dwellinghouses into flats in accordance with planning permission is not undesirable and satisfies a demand for rented accommodation in the city. I understand that all complaints received by Dublin planning authorities regarding unauthorised conversions of houses into flats are investigated and enforcement proceedings are taken where appropriate. The Planning Acts give wide powers to planning authorities to ensure that planning permission is obtained and that development is carried out in accordance with the terms of the permission. I am satisfied that the powers are adequate for their purpose.
Is the Minister aware that the Dublin City Manager has told the city council that only 10 per cent of all private flats are registered? What action does he propose to take to see that the other 90 per cent are registered?
A review of the whole area of privately-owned rented dwelling accommodation has been carried out in the Department. The results of that review are being examined at present by other Departments concerned. The points raised by all concerned will be taken into account in the formulation of any proposals for action in this area.
Would the Minister not accept that there is a major inhibition on local authorities in enforcing the housing bye-laws because of the stark shortage of houses? Would the Minister not accept that there is almost a conflict of interest between the local authorities on that score?
The Deputy is introducing an argument.
I do not agree with the Deputy.
The local authorities cannot register that 90 per cent because they have not got alternative housing accommodation for the residents of those flats. Would the Minister not agree that action is needed if many residential areas are not to become ghettos?
It is difficult for local authorities to enforce the regulations. Problems arise with regard to the requirement to obtain planning permission as the conversion of a house to flats generally involves internal work only. It is difficult for the planning authority to detect such conversions. It is only on the receipt of complaints by the local authority that they can act in quite a number of cases.
Is the Minister aware that on the corporation's housing list there are thousands of applications for housing? It would be interesting to know what houses have been converted without planning permission. Would the Minister not agree that there is cause for concern and a need for action by his Department to put the situation right? Otherwise this whole city will be destroyed.
I am very much concerned about this. As I said, a review of the whole area of privately-owned rented dwelling accommodation has been carried out in the Department.
Will the law be enforced?
The Minister was asked in the question by Deputy Ryan if he will take action to stop this trend. Apart from the review to which he has referred, is any other action contemplated by his Department, for example, making absentee landlords of residential property register their property prior to qualifying for the benefit of the abolition of domestic rates?
No, not at present, not until such time as the results of the review are obtained.
Would I be right in assuming that the Minister proposes to take no urgent action other than reviewing the situation at present?
I shall do my best to have the whole position reviewed, as we are doing, and to have matters finalised at the earliest possible opportunity. I am concerned about the situation.
I would assume that every Minister would do his best, but in this instance am I right in inferring, as a Deputy for Dublin city, that no action will be taken?
Action will be taken as considered necessary.
Would the Minister take Dublin Corporation to task for not pursuing landlords who have converted private houses into multiple dwellings without planning permission, which they can check by looking at their own housing waiting list? Will the Minister now agree to contact the Dublin City Manager and press him to implement these provisions?
The Deputy can do it himself if he is over there this week.
I did not collect the Deputy's rents this week.
The Deputy should go and do it himself.
Question No. 11.
This is a matter for the housing authorities and, in the case of the Deputy's question, for Dublin Corporation. I am concerned about the situation and am having the matter reviewed. I hope to have that review finalised shortly.
Here is a question of Dublin Corporation not implementing the law. Would the Minister not take up the matter with the Dublin City Manager and ask him to implement the law as far as possible?
I pointed out to the Deputy previously the difficulties being encountered by managers in implementing the law. In many cases the conversions have taken place long before the local authority become officially aware of them, because most of these conversions are internal and it is only when complaints are received from neighbours or from public representatives that the council can act.
But do the council then act? In many cases they do not act when there is a complaint. That is the whole point. The Minister should be concerned.
Question No. 11.
I am concerned, as I stated on two occasions previously.
The residential areas of this city are being turned into ghettos.
I will not permit that question.
Parts of this city are being turned into ghettos because of the lack of action by the Minister.