Written Answers. - Housing Strategies.
Seán Crowe
Question:
452
Mr. Crowe
asked the
Minister for the Environment and Local Government
if he has received an application from the City Manager of Dublin Corporation for extra funding to tackle disadvantage in Dublin; and if this request will be examined favourably, considering that the Government's planned cutbacks to community employment schemes are damaging attempts to tackle disadvantage across the city.
[22248/02]
While I have received no such specific application, my Department is responsible for a number of major infrastructural initiatives in Dublin that are aimed at, among other things, addressing social disadvantage.
First, my Department is providing funding to Dublin City Council for major housing developments aimed at tackling disadvantage in Dublin. These developments include the comprehensive regeneration of Ballymun which involves the demolition of the high rise flat blocks and their replacement with some 2,800 new housing units; the redevelopment of a number of seriously run down flat complexes in Dublin inner city involving a mix of new build, refurbishment and, where appropriate, demolition and replacement; the proposed redevelopment of Fatima Mansions and St. Michael's Estate; the remedial works scheme which assists the city council in carrying out major essential works to dwellings such as Liberty House and Mary Aikenhead House; and the special area regeneration programme in Dublin, which consists of a once-off programme of upgrading high-density older flat complexes at various locations in the city. In addition, the city council is providing housing under the local authority housing programme which also tackles disadvantage. In total this year my Department will provide capital funding to the council of almost €225 million for these various measures.
Dublin city is also benefiting from major programmes of urban regeneration that directly or indirectly address disadvantage. In the Dublin Docklands, two new planning schemes, the North Lotts and Grand Canal Basin are being implemented. Recent developments include the opening of the National College of Ireland campus in the Custom House Docks area, the completion of a residential development at Clarion Quay that included social and affordable housing, and the restoration and redevelopment of the architecturally important Stack A building. Significant social progress has also been achieved through innovative job placement-scholarship, community development and training schemes in the docklands area.
Under the urban renewal scheme, significant progress is being achieved in the six integrated area plan – IAP – areas. Under the scheme, which runs until the end of 2004, projected investment is expected to reach about €1 billion in the IAP areas. In addition, under the urban and village renewal programme of the Southern and Eastern Regional Operational Programme, a total of €3,935,744 has been allocated to Dublin City Council for two projects – Rathmines-Dame Street corridor and Dorset Street-Royal Canal area plan.
Arthur Morgan
Question:
453
Mr. Morgan
asked the
Minister for the Environment and Local Government
if Part 5 of the Planning and Development Act, 2001, has been effective; the number of houses which local authorities have received from developers since the Act came into force; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[22249/02]
I refer to the reply to Question No. 213 of 10 October 2002.
Question No. 454 answered with Question No. 441.
