Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 February 2005
509 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has received an application from Sligo Borough Council for the provision of central heating in houses; when a decision will be made as this is a basic requirement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3374/05]
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In July 2004 my Department introduced a special programme for the installation of central heating in existing local authority rented dwellings. The closing date for receipt of applications under last year's scheme was 31 August 2004. The programme has recently been extended for a further period with the objective of ensuring that all local authority rented dwellings have central heating. Details of the terms and conditions of the current year's scheme have recently been issued to local authorities. Proposals were submitted to my Department by Sligo Borough Council in December 2004. It is now a matter for the council to revise the proposals having regard to the current terms and conditions of the scheme including compliance with a competitive tendering process in accordance with normal practice and requirements.
510 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that up to 500 new homes are required by Sligo County Council for local authority housing; his plans to address this need urgently; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3375/05]
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The Government has been conscious of the increased level of social housing need and has responded actively to this situation by expanding social and affordable housing output. My Department is allocating record levels of funding to local authorities for their social and affordable housing programmes in 2005. The total Exchequer capital funding available for social and affordable housing in 2005, taking account of the additional resources announced in the budget, will be almost €1.18 billion which represents an increase of 17% on the likely outcome in 2004.
In association with this funding, my Department has initiated the development by local authorities of new five year action plans for social and affordable housing, to ensure a systematic and integrated approach to the effective use of these resources. I consider that given the nature of continual housing need, the preparation of these action plans is beneficial to local authorities in identifying priority needs over the coming years and providing a coherent and co-ordinated response across all housing services, including delivery of housing by the voluntary and co-operative housing sector. Two thirds of these plans, including the action plan for Sligo County and Borough Councils have already been approved by my Department and the remainder are likely to be approved within a matter of weeks.
