Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 30 Sep 2003

Vol. 571 No. 1

Written Answers. - Local Authority Housing.

John McGuinness

Question:

1287 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government if the pilot scheme approved for the refurbishment of Ossory Park, Kilkenny, has been extended to include further houses; the number of houses now approved; if his Department at any stage refused the extension; the amount of funds allocated to the scheme; the amount drawn down by the local authority; if a contractor has been appointed for the next phase; if plans for works to be undertaken both inside and outside the houses will be made available for public display; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20449/03]

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

My Department issued approval on 25 April to Kilkenny Borough Council to enter into a contract for the refurbishment of six houses at Ossory Park. The borough council subsequently sought to add a further three houses to this contract. The Department initially declined this proposal but, subsequent to the submission of further information, it was agreed that this phase of refurbishment could be extended to nine houses and approval for this addition issued on 11 September. When completed, the number of units refurbished will total 16. It is understood from the borough council that the contractor has been appointed and is about to commence work on site. It is also understood that the extent of works to individual houses have been discussed with the occupiers by the council.

It is the intention of the borough council to continue discussions with the residents' association in relation to refurbishment proposals for a next phase in due course and to provide the residents with drawings of intended refurbishment. The borough council was notified of a capital allocation of €800,000 to meet its funding require ments arising in 2003. No Exchequer funding has been drawn to date this year on the scheme.