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Voluntary Housing Sector

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 July 2014

Tuesday, 1 July 2014

Questions (324)

Willie O'Dea

Question:

324. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Clúid Housing Association and other approved housing bodies have engaged with Limerick City and County Council and the office of regeneration regarding a proposal to both build and retrofit and upgrade housing stock in Limerick city; when he will respond to these proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28215/14]

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Written answers

Under the EU Structural and Investment Funds 2014-2020, support will be provided under the European Regional Development Fund for a number of investment priorities within the thematic objectives set out in the relevant EU Regulation. Investment in energy efficiency and renewable energy use in public infrastructure, including social housing, through the thematic objective of supporting the shift towards a low-carbon economy, is among the eligible measures for ERDF co-funding under the Regional Operational Programmes 2014-2020.

My Department has submitted a proposal costing €100 million under the South and East Operational Programme 2014-2020 for the deep retrofitting of 2,000 older apartments and flats, of which 1,500 are in Dublin, 300 in Cork and 200 in Limerick. It is proposed that 50% of the cost would be met by way of loan finance from the European Investment Bank to a number of Approved Housing Bodies (AHB’s) who would undertake the retrofitting works and manage and maintain the properties on behalf of the local authorities. The balance of the funding would be met by way of a 25% capital contribution by the Exchequer and a 25% grant from the ERDF.

It is intended that a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), representative of the participating local authorities and AHB’s, the Housing Finance Agency and my own Department, will be established to manage the investment programme and oversee its implementation. However, the setting up of the SPV and the determination of appropriate governance and administrative arrangements, as well as consideration of further proposals of this nature, is contingent on the outcome of this proposal.

My Department is working closely with the Office of Regeneration, Limerick City and County Council and the Irish Council for Social Housing with a view to progressing proposals for the active involvement of the Approved Housing Bodies in the retrofitting and construction of replacement housing in the Limerick regeneration areas. Outside of these arrangements, I understand that service level agreements are currently being negotiated between the Council and Clúid Housing Association with regard to the future management and maintenance of some recently completed housing projects.

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