Vol. 327 No. 11
asked the Minister for the Environment if he is aware that Dungarvan Urban District Council propose to send a deputation to meet him to discuss proposals for the assessment and repair programme for the Cathal Brugha scheme of houses in Dungarvan, County Waterford; if he will meet this deputation; and, if so, when.
322.
asked the Minister for the Environment if he is aware that Dungarvan Urban District Council are anxious to obtain consultancy services from either his Department. An Foras Forbartha or the Institute for Industrial Research and Standards to advise them on how best they can identify and solve the problems of dampness and poor construction standards in the Cathal Brugha housing scheme; and if his Department is in a position to advise the council as to how to obtain such consultancy services.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 321 and 322 together.
Housing authorities are entirely responsible for the maintenance and management of their rented housing estates. I understand that Dungarvan Urban District Council are carrying out a scheme of repair and improvement works to houses in Cathal Brugha Place on a phased basis, financed from their own resources, including receipts from rents and a proportion of the proceeds of sales of council houses.
I have been asked by the council to provide technical advice on the problems associated with these houses and arrangements are being made to have the houses inspected at an early date by one of my Department's housing inspectors.
The question of the reception by me of a deputation from the council would, in the circumstances, best be deferred until the report of the inspector comes to hand, and I have advised the council to this effect.
