Local Authority Housing.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 September 2006

Wednesday, 27 September 2006

Questions (1442)

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

1505 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the basis on which it is felt that residents of an estate (details supplied) in County Kildare, whose homes were demolished on foot of major structural subsidence, have been deemed to be liable for part of the reconstruction costs in view of the fact that the dwellings were built by the local authority and subsequently sold to the tenants who were not made aware of the seriousness of the defects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29172/06]

Written answers

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

I understand that the estate in question has been the subject of a Remedial Works Scheme. Under the terms of the Scheme private/tenant purchased houses may be included in the refurbishment project where it is considered by the housing authority that their inclusion is necessary in order to avoid an unacceptable or incongruous result to the refurbishment of an estate. The maximum capital contribution by my Department in respect of such houses is 50% of the cost of the eligible works with the residents funding the balance of 50% of the costs.

The administration of the Remedial Works Scheme in individual cases is the responsibility of the housing authority and I have no function in the matter.

Question No. 1506 answered with QuestionNo. 1504.