Skip to main content
Normal View

Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 9 Mar 1989

Vol. 388 No. 2

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Replacement of Dangerous Solid Fuel Heaters.

7.

asked the Minister for the Environment if his Department will make funds available to Dublin Corporation to replace dangerous solid fuel heaters (details supplied) which were installed in local authority built houses in Finglas, Dublin 11, Ballymun, Dublin 11 and Tallaght, Dublin 24; if he has received requests from Dublin County Council and Dublin Corporation for a meeting to discuss this problem; if he will agree to the request; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

I have allocated £4.4 million to the Corporation under the remedial works scheme to spend this year on approved refurbishment proposals. The apportionment of the allocation is a matter for the local authority. Last December, the authority submitted a preliminary proposal seeking funds under the scheme for the replacement of the heaters in the houses referred to by the Deputy. In this regard, however, the details requested of their proposals for smokeless heating systems, which are necessary before a decision can be made, are still awaited. In the circumstances, I do not consider that the reception of the deputation requested would serve any useful purpose.

Is the Minister prepared to accept the case for the replacement of the Conserva heaters? I understand these are not just confined to the Dublin area; they have been installed also in other parts of the country, particularly in what were laughingly called "low cost" housing schemes. Would the Minister indicate his agreement that these Conserva heaters should be replaced? Will he also ensure that a scheme is instituted to assist people who have bought houses from local authorities under the tenant purchase scheme so that the Conserva heaters in those houses can be replaced as well?

As the Deputy knows, it is a matter for the local authority in the first instance to make proposals for funding under the remedial works scheme. They have to determine their priorities so far as approved projects are concerned. They made an application for a certain amount of money but no technical details were attached to the application. Without going into it any further, I am awaiting a reply from them concerning the details of the proposal they intend to send in for smokeless heating systems in those estates. When I receive the application I will look at it as favourably as I can, but in the first instance it is a matter for the local authorities.

I asked the Minister if he agreed in principle that these Conserva heaters should be replaced for a variety of reasons. I will not go into the details here and that a scheme should be introduced to assist people who are unfortunate enough to have availed of various tenant purchase schemes and who now find themselves with Conserva heaters which are indequate, and in many cases dangerous, and which have to be replaced. I am not asking the Minister to agree the details of such a scheme but to agree in principle that this should be done.

I think it would be much more acceptable if the local authority gave the matter the kind of priority listing which the Deputy has given it. If they do so I believe we can reach an amicable solution to the matter.

Top
Share