Vol. 477 No. 5
9 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for the Environment if he has considered the submissions from Dublin Corporation and various groups representing senior citizens to provide capital grants to have central heating installed in all local authority complexes; and if he will make a statement on his intentions on the matter. [9904/97]
Dublin Corporation has made proposals for a programme of works to upgrade some of its housing stock, including the provision of central heating. There are no funds at my disposal from which assistance could be provided for the works in question and the corporation was advised accordingly. Subsequently, the corporation proposed a reallocation of capital resources from its housing construction programme to fund the programme of upgrading works submitted earlier. The corporation's proposals are under consideration and a decision will be notified as soon as possible.
Will the Minister agree that it will take Dublin Corporation 35 years to install central heating in all senior citizens' complexes if it keeps going at its present rate? It should be possible to allocate some of the fruits of our mar dhea booming economy to elderly citizens. The way it treats its elderly citizens is the hallmark of a society. However, if Dublin Corporation continues at its present rate many senior citizens, sadly, will not be around to enjoy the comfort and warmth provided by central heating. When will a decision be made on the corporation's proposals and what conditions will apply? Is the installation of central heating in senior citizens' complexes covered by these proposals?
I assure the Deputy that I am dealing with this matter as speedily as possible. I accept that many flat complexes in Dublin need to be upgraded and that people need central heating and should be entitled to it as a matter of course. However, there are considerable costs involved. As the Deputy is aware, there is a proposal by Dublin Corporation to divert funding from new start-ups to upgrading complexes in this way. I am looking sympathetically at this proposal.
As regards the conditions which will apply, I am not in a position to outline these as we have not yet reached this stage. The central heating aspect of the improvement programme involves 9,098 dwellings, including 2,579 old persons' dwellings. Under this proposal a considerable number of units would be provided with central heating. However, this will have an effect on necessary works such as the repair of roofs, window replacement and safety issues. While I agree with the Deputy that it is a pity it is only happening now, nevertheless it is being done. I am dealing with the proposal as quickly as possible as I understand the necessity for it.
Whatever about the 9,000 local authority dwellings, I urge the Minister to ensure that central heating is installed in the 2,000 senior citizens' dwellings. Many old people are riddled with arthritis, osteoporosis and other illnesses and are at risk from open fires and a lack of heating. I ask the Minister to ensure that this work is carried out immediately.
