My Department has not received an application from Dublin Corporation for funds for the installation of heating in the remainder of its housing stock. The Deputy will be aware that the management, maintenance and improvement of its existing dwellings, including the installation of heating, is the responsibility of Dublin Corporation to be met from its own resources. However the installation of central heating systems by Dublin Corporation forms an integral part of various remedial and refurbishment programmes which are being funded under my Department's remedial works programme. These include the redevelopment of a number of seriously run-down flat complexes mostly in the city centre area involving a mix of some new buildings, refurbishment and, where appropriate, demolition and replacement; the special area regeneration programme which consists of a once-off programme of upgrading of high density older flat complexes at various locations around the city – I understand that under this programme Dublin Corporation will install central heating in over 9,000 of its dwellings; the remedial works scheme which is providing capital funding to carry out major structural works to a number of flat complexes.
Since February 1994 local authorities have been advised that full central heating should be provided in all new local authority housing as part of the overall cost of the schemes. This is being implemented.