Noel Ahern
Question:27 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for the Environment when he will approve the redevelopment of Ballymun, Dublin 11; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1523/97]
Priority Questions - Redevelopment of Ballymun, Dublin.
Proposals by Dublin Corporation for the redevelopment of the Ballymun estate are under consideration and a decision will be made and announced as soon as possible.
I have approved the corporation's proposals to accept a tender for works to the roofs of the tower and spine blocks. This is a necessary shortterm measure as the roofs have reached the end of their serviceable life and need replacement to protect the buildings and their occupants against weather conditions.
I thank the Minister of State but she did not tell me anything I did not already know. What is the reason for the delay, given that the Minister met local activists last September? Has the matter gone to Cabinet since? I presume the Minister and the Minister of State are of one mind on this matter. Are they not receiving support from their Government partners? Is Cabinet approval for the matter necessary? Has it gone to Cabinet yet?
The Deputy complained the information was not new, but my reply is true. The proposals submitted by the corporation in the middle of October are extensive and involve, in effect, a total redevelopment of the Ballymun estate. They are also extremely costly, involving approximately £179 million. In addition, there is a requirement to adopt a more strategic approach to the redevelopment of Ballymun.
While I understand the Deputy's impatience, many of the problems with which we are dealing arose from an approach in the past which demanded instant solutions. A famous commentator said that to every difficult problem there is a solution which is simple, neat and wrong. The Ballymun estate was a simple solution but, with hindsight, it was the wrong solution. I want to ensure, when work is carried out in Ballymun, that it is comprehensive and deals with the complex problems on the ground. It is not just a housing problem, although housing is an important element. We are developing a strategic approach and we must make allowance for proper administration and consultation in addition to funding. It is a complex problem but I assure the Deputy that progress is being made and we are making every effort to ensure that it continues. The Deputy should appreciate that we are adopting a comprehensive approach which was lacking in the past, creating a tremendously negative knock-on impact in terms of the current problem.
The Minister of State did not say whether the matter must go to Cabinet. I agree it is more than a housing matter but I remind her that much good work is being done locally in terms of building up community activity and involvement. However, spirit cannot be maintained forever and people are beginning to wonder if they are being strung along or if the matter will work out favourably. I accept the plans and proposals have changed a number of times in recent years but they involve total or partial demolition. This basic issue has been under examination for more than two years. We are not seeking £180 million or any money this year. Does the Minister realise we are not trying to put a serious strain on his finances this year? We are seeking approval in principle to allow the corporation to establish its project team and get matters moving. Even if approval was granted today, a house would not be built for two years or more. Will the Minister grant approval to allow the corporation to proceed? Must the matter go to or has it reached Cabinet?
It is important that funding is in place. We must ensure, when decisions are made, that funding is in place to back them up.
The matter has been ongoing for ten years.
Funding must be approved by the Cabinet. The plan being developed will take a number of years to finalise. It is a huge project but initial funding must be available for it to commence. It is unsatisfactory for everybody, including public representatives and the local community, to give the go ahead for a project without having resources available to back up the decision. We must ensure in addition to funding that a well integrated approach is developed which deals with housing and other issues related to it and the general community.
When can we expect the result of the deliberations?
We are developing plans as quickly as possible. The Minister and I are keen to make progress and we are working on them. I assure the Deputy there is no undue delay. We are aware of the importance of getting the project up and running. However, we must also ensure it is right before we start.