Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 7 May 2003

Vol. 566 No. 1

Written Answers. - Local Authority Housing.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

724 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if and when the houses at Slí an Canal, Leixlip, County Kildare, can be purchased outright by the tenants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11763/03]

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment and Local Government (Mr. N. Ahern)

These houses were provided by an approved housing body with funding under my Department's capital loan and subsidy scheme. There are no plans to make provision for the purchase by tenants of individual houses provided under this scheme.

Residents of more than one year's duration of houses provided under the scheme who wish to become owner occupiers may, on surrendering their house to the approved voluntary housing body, qualify for the following benefits: special mortgage allowance of €11,450 over five years for mortgages created on or after 1 January 2002 to assist with mortgage repayments; the shared ownership scheme without having to satisfy the income eligibility criteria; improvement works in lieu scheme in respect of the dwelling they are acquiring; low cost housing sites scheme and exemption from the income limits for local authority loans. Full details of these options are available from local authorities.

Question No. 725 answered with Question No. 700.

Question No. 726 answered with Question No. 712.