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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 28 Nov 1990

Vol. 403 No. 2

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Replacement of Defective Chimneys.

Gerry Reynolds

Question:

16 Mr. G. Reynolds asked the Minister for the Environment when grant aid will be given for the replacement of defective chimneys at Crannmore Housing Estate, Sligo, for which he has already given a commitment.

A capital allocation of £100,000 was made to Sligo Corporation under the remedial works scheme for expenditure this year. The apportionment of the allocation between the corporation's approved projects, including this estate for which tender proposals have recently been approved, is a matter for the local authority.

As the Minister is aware, approval was given to allow work begin on the chimneys of those houses still in the possession of Sligo Corporation. He is also aware that no approval was given in respect of the houses, about 45 in all, being purchased at present. Will the Minister make money available and sanction the submission of tenders for this purpose?

As the Deputy quite rightly said, approval of the corporation's proposals for the acceptance of the tender in respect of the 65 rented dwellings was issued on 15 November. For the information of the Deputy, that included the chimneys and some ancillary works. The estimated cost of this work is about £220,000. The Deputy referred to about 40 houses in that estate which are being purchased under the tenant purchase schemes. He will be aware that the maximum capital which the Department make available to the local authority in respect of such dwellings under the terms of the scheme is 50 per cent of the cost of the eligible work. The balance has to be met by the purchaser. This matter has not been pursued to finality as yet but, as the Deputy might well imagine, there is the option of extending it to cover reconstruction of the chimneys in the remaining 40 houses being purchased under the tenant purchase schemes. I would support any such application in that regard.

In view of the history of the outrageous planning involved, of which the Minister is well aware, and of the promises he made in Sligo, will he give an undertaking to the House that he will recommend funding the total cost of the replacement of those chimneys?

Purchased dwellings can be included for grant assistance under the remedial scheme. I will be supportive of an application in that regard under the terms of the scheme as it now exists.

For the full amount?

At present the scheme allows only 50 per cent support so far as eligible work is concerned. It is a matter for the local authority to deal with the tenants in that regard. I will be supportive of an application should one be submitted to me in that way.

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