Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 23 July 2020
39. Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if he will invest in the regeneration of flat complexes in south inner city Dublin in the interest of good public health and good community development in view of the extremely poor condition and the urgent need for upgrading of these flats. [17645/20]
View answerEach individual local authority is responsible for ensuring that their social housing stock is maintained to an appropriate standard. In order to support local authorities in this work my Department provides exchequer funding for eligible improvement works to local authority housing, including through the voids and energy efficiency programmes.
Furthermore, under the National Regeneration Programme funding is available to support the direct delivery of new and refurbished social housing units. Together with providing a significant number of new and refurbished homes, this programme also addresses the causes of disadvantage in these communities through a holistic programme of physical, social and economic regeneration.
I understand that Dublin City Council (DCC) has completed a Strategic Development Audit of its 220 apartment complexes in order to develop a Capital Housing Apartment Complex Regeneration Programme 2020 – 2040. According to DCC, this audit has regard to the physical condition, the development potential of the complexes and other relevant factors. DCC have identified priorities for each of its 11 electoral areas (EA) including the two south inner city EAs of South West Inner City and South East Inner City and I understand that engagement is ongoing with local elected members. My Department will consider submissions for such capital expenditure on receipt from DCC.
With funding from my Department, phase 1 of the regeneration of the former St Teresa’s Gardens, which will deliver 54 new homes, is underway. DCC is also currently building social housing on two other sites within the south inner city, 55 on the former Chamber Weaver site and 57 homes in Bonham Street.
I understand that DCC are also developing plans for construction of 42 new homes at St Andrew’s Court (northern portion of site) and are examining the feasibility of making a positive intervention to Pearse House (a protected structure) and engagement with local elected members and community will commence shortly.
There is ongoing and regular engagement between the Council’s officials and officials in my Department on DCC's broad housing delivery programme.
